IDEA Installer Certification Program Launched

© 2000 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2000
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 22

IDEA Installer Certification Program Launched

In October, the Institute for Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) unveiled the new Residential Installer Training and Certification (ITC) program at the IDA Regional Conference in Framingham, Mass.

The ITC program is the result of three years of development by the IDEA board of directors. First developed by the Canadian Door Institute, ITC has been one of the original goals of the IDEA.

Todd Thomas, IDEA managing director, announced the program. He said the purpose of the program is to develop a network of training specialists who then help dealers train new installers. Thomas said the program includes three components: a “Train-the-Trainer” course, an Installer Training course, and the Installer Certification program.

Three Components

The “Train-the-Trainer” course, an intensive one-day program, teaches qualified individuals to train others. “The program thus facilitates effective and efficient training of new employees and gives the industry a vast network of qualified trainers,” he added. The course will be offered at IDA events and will include a proficiency exam.

The Installer Training course, taught by sanctioned trainers, is targeted to employees with less than two years’ experience. Thomas said the course covers a wide range of key issues such as company policies, job duties, safety, tools, construction math, quality issues, and technical basics.

The Certification Program is designed for installers with two or more years of experience and is restricted to eligible dealers, i.e., those who demonstrate a defined level of business experience and professionalism. The Certification program requires completion of a five-part curriculum involving more in-depth topics such as legal issues, complex installations, and supervisory skills, according to Thomas.

The Goal

Thomas said the cost of the program “will be as low as we can make it because we want as many as possible to participate in the program.” The long-term objectives of the program, he added, are to provide dealers with a standardized comprehensive training tool and to create professional credentials and a career path for installers.