Driving the Industry Since 1991
Clockwise, from left:
for up to date training. In the early stages of this pro- gram we quickly realized that we could create a positive impact on school bus safety by providing advanced training as a part of our program. Te America’s Best program has been fortunate to partner with many of the leaders in the manufacturing and component side of the industry to deliver state of the art training and will continue to do so in the future. More and more we are seeing various technician
groups developing their own forums and training pro- grams to share information. Groups such as the Texas Association of School Bus Technicians, Arkansas School Bus Mechanics Association, Ohio School Bus Mechanics Association and others work at a statewide level for the professional development of school bus technicians. In reviewing a number of the training programs being
offered, I found that many of these programs are coupled with a certification process. It is always good to attend any training opportunity available. It is even better when we can demonstrate the knowledge gained through training with a certification process. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is easily the most notable certification process available to tech- nicians. Te testing requirements for attaining ASE
Marshall Casey prepares for the start of the 2015 America’s Best event with fellow organizers. Casey talks to technicians before the start of a training session. A participant examines components during a test.
certification are structured to ensure that an individual is capable of demonstrating an advanced knowledge and understanding of each area of certification. Let me say from experience that unless you have had extensive training, have spent considerable time studying available material, or have considerable hands-on experience you will not pass these certification exams. Tat is why ASE Certified Technicians have always been recognized as an elite group within the industry. Almost all school districts have some sort of certified technical professional on staff or on speed dial. When the lights or plumbing don’t work we want a recognized expert to make the repair quickly and efficiently. But do we feel the same way when a school bus breaks down? As the level of expertise required to successfully main- tain and repair school buses continues to rise, shouldn’t our school bus technicians be an integral part of our annual professional development plans? Shouldn’t we be fighting for funds each year to enable our technicians to attend training programs and develop their knowledge, skills and expertise? Grease monkeys are a thing of past. We have
evolved, and our future and that of school bus safety is in the hands of recognized, professional-level school bus technicians. Professionals who must understand and be proficient in electronics, hydraulics and pneu- matics, communications networks, thermal dynamics and more. l Casey is the retired director of school bus maintenance
and training for the South Carolina Department of Ed- ucation. He is currently CEO of Casey’s Kustoms, LLC, a training consultant firm in Columbia, S.C. He is also one of the organizers for the annual America’s Best School Bus Inspector & Technician Skills & Training Competition.
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