LPCs go back to school

September 10, 2020

Over the past few weeks many of us have experienced new challenges going back to school, whether in-person or virtually. We’re getting our children logged into a Zoom call, while still managing our own WebEx schedules. Filling backpacks with hand sanitizer and extra masks. Not to mention, teaching a toddler about social distancing.

Our trainers in the Mercedes-Benz Academy experienced similar trials while developing a reopening plan to safely welcome colleagues back to our training facilities. On August 24, our Learning & Performance Centers (LPCs) officially reopened their doors and in-dealer training commenced. Fortunately for us, asking adults to maintain a six-foot distance is an easy concept to grasp (for most).

Like all other learning institutions, new safety procedures are in place – everything from temperature checking and mandatory face coverings, to reduced class capacity. The Mercedes-Benz Academy collaborated with the EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) group to ensure every aspect of safety is adhered to and customized to fit each facility. This video (use password MB@2020!) highlights the new safety measures everyone will experience when returning to our LPCs.

We recognize there may be hesitance to travel. Our priority is providing the opportunity for safe learning, not filling classes. Capacity is limited based on the size of the classroom to ensure everyone feels comfortable. So far, the response from Technicians that attended training during re-opening week has been extremely positive. The overarching theme is simply gratitude for a sense of normalcy during challenging times.

“It’s a get away from the troubles we have in the world now. It feels good to be back.” – Michael Williams, Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa

“It’s actually great being back. We can actually proceed to learn more.” – Arnaldo Gonzales, Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield

As for the new safety measures…

“It seems professional to me. Everyone is doing their thing and respecting each other.” – Guillermo Ruiz, Mercedes-Benz of Huntington

Additionally, attendees recognized added benefits of smaller class sizes, like:

• Independent work. Technicians get to work on the vehicle and go through the diagnostics on their own, rather than with a group of students. Due to the inherent nature of group activities, some may be more/less involved than others during group-work.

• More in-depth discussions and increased interaction with other Technicians

• Individual attention, increased participation and more efficient communication

While our in-person training may look different, our commitment to learning will never change. The Mercedes-Benz Academy will continue to create impactful eLearnings and instructor-led courses while we all continue to navigate our “new normal.” When our dealers are ready to return to in-person training, we are open and armed with plenty of hand sanitizer.

We look forward to seeing you at our Learning & Performance Centers soon!

Disclaimer: Even though our doors are open, we are continuously monitoring the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. If state rules and regulations shift, so will the Mercedes-Benz Academy.

Here is a glimpse inside our LPCs during re-opening week: