What Attributes are REQUIRED to create a "Stand Out & QUALIFIED" AWP Service Technician -

"What is REQUIRED to be a "Stand Out" & QUALIFIED  AWP Technician?

"In the 40+ yrs of being employed within the AWP (aerial work platform) industry, I have been asked this question many times.  I have narrowed the answer to a simple but purely basic 4 personal attributes. Simply put they are #1. being proficient in Hydraulics, #2. being proficient in Electronics, #3. being proficient in Basic Mechanics and most importantly #4. being "intuitively proficient" in practical reasoning.  

A Successful AWP Technician MUST posses ALL 4 of these attributes!

Let's explore each of these attributes to see why they are so important:

• 1. Hydraulics - This field of endeavor is forever in constant flux. Besides being taught "the basics", a AWP Technician must be well versed in the more advance characteristics of hydraulics as well. One MUST have a working knowledge of hydraulic system design, valves, pumps, pressures, flows, etc.  One MUST also be proficient in reading and most importantly "deciphering" hydraulic schematics.  A Technician MUST be willing to possess his OWN tools, gauges, etc thereby showing his/her willingness to "commit" to the task of learning.      
• 2. Electronics - Basic electronics is certainly required but controlling hydraulic systems by any means is various to say the least. Standard "on/off" toggle switch control is "the basic" system control method however, AWP equipment, especially the later makes & models incorporate more advanced control systems incorporating Joystick PC boards, SQ Wave Amplifiers, Pulse Generators, LED Control, SCR control systems, integrated "intrinsically safe" low voltage systems, etc.  A "true technician" MUST be proficient to troubleshoot ALL, as ALL are used within the AWP industry and one MUST also be proficient in reading and most importantly "deciphering" electrical schematics. 
• 3. Basic Mechanics - this MUST incorporate an "understanding" to the performance of ANY  and  ALL AWP makes & models. Remember: there is "NO STANDARDIZATION WITHIN THE AWP INDUSTRY" - NONE!  Each and every make and model is a unit built all to its own design and Certified Mechanical engineers have signed off on that units design thereby Certifying  they are "balanced" and "meet all slope test & engineering characteristics at time of manufacture". In short, ANY changes to ANY machine, be it an engine swap (outside of original OEM Spec) or anything that changes the weight distribution in any way, be it boom lift, scissor lift, mast lift, etc., ANY changes that possibly alters the Weight Distribution of the Machine in question - MUST have that machine "Re-Certified"
• 4. Practical Reasoning - this REQUIREMENT is the most critical of all!  Without "practical reasoning" a Technician will be at a loss to properly diagnosis and/or repair the simplest of required repairs. Technicians MUST be proficient in "basic physics" and incorporating the two previous attributes as well. Also, the use of " Inductive and Deductive Reasoning " is a REQUIREMENT to fulfill a Technicians TOTAL job description. Without this simple skill, a Technician simply cannot fulfill his job obligations to possibly become a Certified AWP Technician. Lastly, a AWP Technician MUST have access to the REQUIRED hydraulic & electrical schematics, manuals and specifications on whatever make or model is in need of repair or set-up. Without this BASIC information, any AWP Technician CANNOT perform properly and puts the user (any user) in danger!  Be Aware: Schematics & Manuals ARE (in some cases) SN Specific!   

If any of these areas is NOT part of the AWP Technical Service Training and a candidates personal portfolio, I would question his or her ability to do the job they are being hired to do.  Simply applying these (4) basic fundamentals -  #1. being proficient in Hydraulics, #2. being proficient in Electronics, #3. being proficient in Basic Mechanics and most importantly #4. being "intuitively proficient" in practical reasoning will set the basic AWP Technician apart from any other. With these skills in place, any AWP Technician would then be ready (should the opportunity arise in the future) to advance to the next level in becoming a CERTIFIED AWP Technician.  

Remember: A Technician working on ANY equipment manufactured by any of the (75) US based AWP manufacturers MUST be working within the guidelines & specifications of that AWP manufacturer.

"There is NO STANDARDIZATION WITHIN THE AWP INDUSTRY" - NONE! 

Only then will a AWP Technician be able to adhere to the ANSI & OSHA Standards and Guidelines as so pre-described in current and proposed A-92 Standards.