What does a typical day at a DP course look like?
On the first day of the course, participants are given a brief introduction to DP. Then instructors will work with each participant to develop a customized learning plan for the week. This usually takes about ten minutes per person. Next, the participant will be assigned the first module. The printed module will tell the participant what they need to do in order to complete the module. They can practice the skill if they want to, or they can continue directly to the "skill check" which is where they perform the skill for the instructor. If they perform the skill successfully (for example, they demonstrate their ability to replace the drive unit) then they move on to the next module.

My technician used to be able to learn the whole truck
in one week. Now you're telling me he may not get that?
We believe a technician will learn more during a five day DP course than they would during a five day lecture-based course. It is true that you can cover more in a shorter period of time by lecturing, but we've found that a technician's ability to retain and apply the information they receive during a lecture is limited. The pace may be too slow ("I'm bored. I already know this stuff.") or too fast ("I don't understand this. I wish we could slow down."). Also, there is limited time for hands on practice on an actual truck.

With DP, they'll only spend time on what they need to learn. For example, they won't spend two hours learning about basic electricity if they already know it. Before the DP training course spend some time talking to your technician about what you want them to cover during the session. Do you want them to focus on mechanical topics, such as repairing or replacing components? Or do you want them to learn how to troubleshoot the electrical system?

How do I know what modules to choose?
We'll provide you with a list of modules, but it's up to you to choose which modules to focus on. Choose modules that the technician needs to know based on the truck population they service, or choose modules that you know the technician needs to improve on.

How did you come up with the list of modules?
We assembled a group of experienced technicians and asked them "What skills does a competent technician need in order to troubleshoot and repair a Crown lift truck?" From this list of skills we derived the modules.

What if my tech isn't self-motivated?
Will they get anything done?
DP training requires active involvement from the learner, so if they don't want to do anything, we can't make them. Our instructors will be on hand to guide them during the course, but most of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the technicians. Our instructors will also be able to tell you how hard the tech worked during the course, which can give you a clearer picture of the skills and aptitude of your technicians. We've found that when you measure a technician on their performance, they are more motivated to learn than they would be in a traditional lecture-based setting.

What about e-learning?
Why not put everything on computer?
Much of the information that a technician needs to complete a DP module is accessible through a computer (ie. service manuals, videos, interactive simulations, self-paced presentations) but we feel that technicians learn best when they can practice and perform on an actual piece of equipment. Also, DP training relies on an experienced trainer to facilitate the modules - a human being who's there to monitor safety concerns, answer questions, as well as conduct the performance tests.

How much can a technician get done during the course?
That depends on many factors such as their level of experience, work ethic, aptitude, and learning style. Also, some modules are more complex than others and take longer to complete. People learn at different rates, so one technician may get through 20 modules while another may only complete 10. Our instructors will work with you and your technician to help you choose the right modules and make the most of your time with us.

What if my technician doesn't complete all of his assigned modules?
In this case, it's important to speak with one of the instructors immediately after the session. It could be because they were assigned more modules than could reasonably be completed during the course. Or it might be because this technician didn't have the required prerequisite skills, such as using a Crown service manual, and had to spend some time learning these skills first.

What does your tag line "Learn It. Do it. Use it." mean?
This defines the philosophy behind Crown DP training. Participants "Learn it" by reading the module, reviewing any reference material, and practicing the required skills. Then they "Do it" by performing what we call a "skill check" for the instructor to demonstrate their ability to perform the skill. This prepares them to bring their newly acquired skills back to their job and "Use it" to improve the uptime and reliability of Crown lift trucks.