TRAINING FOCUS
KLOBER TAKES TRAINING TO NEW HEIGHTS
Merchants provide access to product advice and guidance, which means they need to feel confident about advising contractors on the best solutions for specific applications. BMJ finds out how one roofing product supplier tackles this.
receive or access product information on Klober products via the website. “That’s what we kept front of mind when developing our new Training Zone,” King says.
Now live and available to access by Klober partners, the online platform offers courses and modules to support merchants with their understanding of the Klober product ranges and key roofing topics. Resources are also available to read and download, such as the Tile Vent Compatibility Chart detailing which Klober Tile Vents are compatible with the most common roof tiles on the market. This enables training materials to be accessed at a time convenient to the user, providing flexible learning that adapts to their home and work lifestyle. King explains that the roof training journey starts off with an overview of Klober, with the modules ‘Introduction to Klober’ and ‘Filecamp: Klober’s Digital Asset Library’. Moving on to key roofing topics, users explore the importance of a healthy roof with topics such as ‘What’s makes up a roof?’ and ‘Why Ventilate?’. Modules then delve further into Klober’s product categories such as Eaves Ventilation and Tile Vents, Membranes and Lead Flashing Alternatives to name a few.
U
nderstanding products and how they interact with the regulatory landscape is a huge part of meaningful sales. Customers must be able to come to a merchant with specific questions, respect their advice, and trust their recommendations. So, it’s essential that merchants harbour the knowledge necessary for their customers. This is where training courses and online resources can be extremely beneficial.
Regardless of the level of support required, be it an in-depth starter course or a quick refresher, training is often rewarding, says Nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober. “It can be particularly helpful for merchants seeking to keep up with the rapidly changing construction climate. From building regulations to product specifications, there are a variety of updates impacting the industry, so merchants must remain in the know if they are to truly give their customers the best service.”
The most popular training is that provided by manufacturers themselves, King says. “According to our 2022 customer insights survey, over one third (39%) of merchants
26
deemed manufacturer-led training the most important. It’s hardly surprising when you consider the most in-depth product knowledge usually sits with those who have their ear to the ground. As such, opting for manufacturer-led training can be invaluable. Such training might include installation advice and product-based knowledge.”
However, he adds that as important as training is, time constraints can make it challenging to navigate. Plus, making decisions on what learning should be prioritised for teams in line with budgets can present further issues. Online training is often a great solution, he says. “Sure, practical, in-person training is a popular choice – particularly as understanding how a hip or ridge system fits onto a roof, for example, is often easier to grasp with one’s own eyes. However, using online resources to support learning is the key for ensuring flexible options that eliminates the time, travel and cost restrictions of in-person training.” Product information is frequently sourced directly from the manufacturer, something that was backed up by Klober’s research, which found that 53% of merchants said they
“The Training Zone also gives merchants the ability to learn about the installation processes of roofing components with the ‘How to Install’ course. The course includes modules on how to fit products such as ‘In Line Tile Vents’ and ‘A Dry Ridge System’. At the end of every learning module, the merchant is given a short quiz to put their knowledge to the test. Once the questions are completed, the course is passed, and a certificate is available to print and store in their companies’ training logs,” he says. A ‘My Dashboard’ feature means merchants are able to track and save their progress on modules to return to at a later stage. This enables flexible learning to suit the users’ schedule, without the need to restart and repeat courses when they run out of time.
Closing Thoughts
Through these resources, those with experience can also refresh their knowledge and keep skills up to date, King says. “If someone undertook a membrane training course five years ago, for example, they could benefit from refresher training to enhance existing understanding. “With changing pressures impacting construction, contractors and specifiers will require ongoing support to find fully considered solutions. Merchant teams can fulfil this service and enhance their offering through relevant and timely training. Online platforms, such as the Klober Training Zone, are the ideal way to ensure flexibility and accessibility to continuing development alongside busy schedules.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2023
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
