Merlo has announced that more than 220 engineers and dealer personnel have gone through its dedicated training programme in Ringwood.
Delivered at a purpose-built training centre and through courses held at dealer locations across the UK and Ireland, the programme offers 25 technical training courses. The company adds that the number of courses will continue to grow as new products and technologies are introduced.
Training manager Sam Bowles leads the programme. He is responsible for developing and delivering courses, drawing on more than a decade of experience in agricultural and construction equipment.
At Ringwood, the company allows access to dedicated machines, specialist training rigs and dismantled components. Foundation training is available to those new to the product range, as well as advanced modules on the systems engineers work with every day.
Courses can also be tailored to individual requirements.
Shaun Groom, general manager at Merlo UK, says: “Every engineer is at a different stage of their career, so it’s important our training reflects that.
“Sam has built a programme that grows with our engineers. As new products and technologies are introduced, the training continues to evolve, giving engineers new opportunities to develop throughout their careers.”
Specialist training
Among the specialist courses is ROTO telehandler training, which gives an understanding of one of the most advanced product ranges offered by the company.
Over one week, attendees move from machine operation into system understanding, diagnostics and fault finding.
The Bagma-accredited courses provide the qualifications needed to undertake Thorough Examinations.
According to the company, feedback has been positive. Courses have received an average satisfaction score of 4.97/5 from 400 responses.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing engineers return to training and watching their confidence grow,” says Sam. “Having worked as an engineer myself, I understand the realities of diagnosing and repairing machines in the field, and the difference practical, hands-on training makes in helping engineers build both confidence and capability.”
He adds that the company is focused on keeping dealer teams ready for machines that are coming to market, including electric models and more technologically advanced machines.
“We’re constantly developing and updating our training programmes to ensure our dealers are ready to support both current and future products.
“The industry is evolving quickly, and it’s important that engineers have the knowledge and confidence needed to support customers as new technologies emerge.”