The Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) is pleased to announce that Caterpillar Inc.--one of the world's leading manufacturers of generators and standby power generation equipment--has been designated as an official Testing Center for the EGSA Generator Technician Certification Program by Ferris State University.
Caterpillar sought approval as a testing site as a means of adding value for Cat Dealers that send technicians to the company's Peoria, IL headquarters for factory training. By locating a Testing Center within Caterpillar's training facilities, Dealer technicians will be able to complete their Caterpillar training, study for their EGSA Generator Technician Certification and take the test all in one convenient location.
According to EGSA Director of Education George Rowley, Caterpillar's decision to become a testing center is a savvy competitive move. "Manufacturers who have done a lot of research into our certification program have identified some possible important future implications for positioning themselves within the marketplace. For example, it's very possible that in the short term future that Manufacturers and Distributors alike will require at least one certified technician on staff in order to successfully bid on new installations and even routine contract maintenance. Companies who are aware of this trend are positioning themselves to embrace and promote the program to their technicians and their customers."
Technician certification offers employers value in that it helps to ensure that technicians have the critical knowledge and skills to succeed in their jobs. When employers promote certification to their technicians and customers, it signifies their commitment to the highest of standards, enhances the firm's credibility and effectively positions the employer as a leader within the marketplace.
Technicians benefit, too, because certification demonstrates their professionalism and commitment to employers, clients, and associates alike. It provides recognition of the technician's knowledge and skill and serves as a mark of excellence the technician can carry with them wherever they go in their career.