9,000+ Automotive Technicians Took NAPA High-Tech Training in 2002

ATLANTA, Oct. 9 -- Thanks to a pioneering program developed by NAPA AUTO PARTS, thousands of automotive technicians across the country received convenient, high-quality technical training right in their own communities in 2002.

The NAPA Institute for Automotive Technology (NIAT) OnSite Training Program conducted over 600 training sessions for more than 9,000 local repair shop staffers and independent automotive technicians in the past six months. Classroom and hands-on training in mechanical and other automotive services were part of the program, which is provided at convenient sites in participating markets during off-peak hours.

"Finding convenient, affordable, high-tech training for their automotive technicians has long been a challenge for our wholesale customers," said NAPA President Steve Handschuh. "The NIAT OnSite Program has allowed us to bring a quality training alternative to thousands of shops and thousands of technicians right in their own communities, and we're thrilled so many have chosen to take advantage of it."

NIAT OnSite classes feature classroom and hands-on training in high-tech vehicle repair. Courses cover topics of major interest to working technicians and focus on contemporary repair techniques. Half of each four-hour course is devoted to hands-on learning.

The use of props, equipment and tools is part of every class and makes each session more effective according to California NAPA storeowner Mike Cook. "Instructors bring cutaways of motors, labscopes and laptop computers" to teach not only the proper fix, but the theory and diagnosis behind it.

The training available through the NIAT OnSite Program is not only thorough but specific, according to Hawaii NAPA AUTO PARTS store outside salesperson Steve Kiyonaga. "Our customers don't just find a general class on fuel injection, but rather one on Ford fuel injection. They're learning to deal specifically with the problems they might encounter with certain types of vehicles."

The results are evident and immediate, said California NAPA store outside salesperson Bill Button. "There have been several instances when customers have told me that the application they learned in class one night they applied the next day."

With the pace of technology today, the success of any automotive repair business is directly related to its ability to provide training for its technicians. That is what makes NIAT OnSite Training such an attractive alternative, according to NAPA vice president of Training Mike Phillips. The program can deliver a customized training package to just about any market in America for a very attractive fee - often scheduled up to a year in advance. Phillips also believes NIAT OnSite can be the cornerstone in building relationships between parts stores and customers.

NIAT OnSite Training Programs are requested and reserved by participating NAPA AUTO PARTS stores. Training sessions are scheduled for six consecutive evenings at a convenient community location. Stores then offer session spots to their wholesale customers for an affordable annual fee.

Enrolled NAPA customers receive an annual training ticket book that entitles each shop to send two technicians to each class offered. Participants receive several free NIAT self-study courses in addition, as well as a money-back guarantee on the NIAT OnSite Training.

NIAT OnSite Training Programs are staffed by top ASE-certified instructors and are available for technicians of every experience level. Programs can be customized by community or topic.

"NIAT OnSite Training is a risk-free way for shops to provide high- quality, high-tech training for their developing and experienced technicians alike," said Phillips. "It's also a great way for our NAPA stores to build relationships with customers and generate business. It's a win-win proposition."

NAPA AutoCare Centers receive two NIAT OnSite tickets free with their 2002 membership and are eligible for other training discounts.

More information about the NAPA Institute for Automotive Technology is available at www.niat-training.com or by calling 800-292-NIAT (6428).

NAPA AUTO PARTS maintains the world's largest inventory of aftermarket parts, accessories, tools and equipment offered through more than 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and more than 11,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide.