Despite the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, training remains firmly at the forefront of SMC Corporation's value proposition to customers.
SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand Sales Manager William Lebihan.
William Lebihan, SMC Corporation's Head of Field Sales, explains: “SMC supports all of our products with training. We believe the more our customers know, the more effective and efficient their applications will be. In addition to basic product training, we offer pneumatics, hydraulics and mechatronics courses and also sell training equipment to universities and technical institutions.”
In addition to on-site training both at SMC's offices and at its customers' premises, SMC has launched a blended learning initiative together with the Outsource Institute (AUS) in 2020.
“The move to virtual support has been embraced by our organization around the world. Learners (customers) attending SMC's training courses no longer have to leave their workplace for five consecutive days. Thanks to this new offer, the theory can be completed from the comfort of your home or office, while a day and a half is dedicated to the practical part of the course,” adds Mr. Lebihan.
This blended solution provides flexibility and highlights in practical terms what SMC's International Training Division can offer its customers.
"Learners also have access to a wealth of free materials such as product animations and other downloads," says Mr. Lebihan. "There is also a wealth of information that can be accessed through SMC International Training's LinkedIn page."
Has Industry 4.0 followed suit?
Mr. Lebihan keeps up with the times and adds that training related to IO-Link skills and Industry 4.0 technologies is in high demand.
"The learners can access a training system of the factory of the future and interact directly via a virtual connection," he says.
Courses and Qualifications Offered Through Outsource Institute (Aus)
SMC's Pneumatics Training Courses P1 and P2 are aligned with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Outsource Institute is a Registered Training Organization (RTO) and offers training and assessments in the MEM18018 (P1) and MEM18019 (P2) competency units, which are part of the Certificate IV in Engineering.
"After successful completion, the students can either receive a state-recognized declaration of performance for one of the competencies of both units. Alternatively, they can continue working toward completing Certificate IV in Engineering,” says Mr. Lebihan.
