hmmm, I should think you’ve chosen wisely oh tall one !
In terms of the course, the banter was great, but in terms of content, I rather think that they should have delivered it via a series of video DVDs and used your time in the classroom towards more involved troubleshooting and a lot more hands on (but then I’m kinaesthetic). They introduce you to the LED-colour coded diagnostics and also how to add a new device (it’s all very much like adding a computer to a network) and you do a system-by-system overview of all the major parts. We did ours as part of a FAT.
In terms of learning outcomes; whilst you get introduced to the flying screen, I also think that’d be so much better if Schilling created a dumb screen to email you so you could install on a laptop and play with it prior to your arrival. Then you could get a bit of practise and get over the volume of buttons and menus, etc (oh and the safety button-action button thing).
The course is good and delivers the requisite knowledge, don’t get me wrong and I did learn about the vehicle, but I wouldn’t use it as a basis for contract negotiation as I would expect a new-start to pick this up in practise in a week on shift. I am not a fan of the "we’ve invested thousands in you" type arrangement as I think the line-value of training courses are substantially over-the-top. Far better that the commercial terms of your contract are right at the beginning of the year in the first place. On a better note; california is beautiful (as are the girls) and I reccomend the napa valley and the sterling vineyard (tree-top railway) !!!