Focused on creating the next generation of elite technicians, Dickinson Fleet Services (DFS) has expanded its FleeTec Academy to Phoenix, building on the success of its flagship training program in Indianapolis.
Established in 2019, FleeTec Academy was developed to fuel the growth of skilled labor in the fleet maintenance and repair industry by offering highly motivated men and women with no prior mechanical experience the opportunity to become skilled, industry-certified technicians. FleeTec Academy Phoenix, which recently concluded its inaugural four-week instructional course, will host a series of new programs in 2022. To-date, more than 240 technicians have completed Dickinson’s FleeTec Academy, the company says.
“Technician training, recruitment and retention are critical to the growth of our business and the industry as a whole,” said Ted Coltrain, executive officer, Dickinson Fleet Services. “FleeTec is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has what it takes to remain focused and dedicated to both work and education full-time as they complete this exceptional training program.”
Technician candidates attend a rigorous, hands-on residence training program designed to establish foundational mechanical skills. The in-residence program is followed by a structured internship and extended educational program for the development of advanced skills based at one of the DFS Service Centers or field service locations located nationwide.
FleeTec candidates are paid competitive wages throughout the program, including coverage of all living expenses, and are provided with a comprehensive set of mechanic’s tools. Upon completion of the program, technicians are qualified to perform preventative maintenance inspections and light repairs immediately.
Along with becoming a team member of the premier onsite maintenance provider for medium- and heavy-duty trucks in North America comes continuous learning of the ins and outs of Dickinson’s industry-leading tools and techniques, including its unrivaled safety procedures. These are the credentials that make Dickinson technicians among the elite performers in the industry.
Dickinson is driven by its promise of maintenance excellence to its employees and customers, ensuring safety, quality and communications in everything they do. This is the culture that has resulted in technician turnover below the industry average and earned Dickinson recognition as a 2021 Great Place to Work, a certification based entirely on survey responses about employee experience working at Dickinson Fleet Services. This year, 81 percent of Dickinson Fleet Service team members said it’s a great place to work — 22 percent higher than the average U.S. company, Dickinson says.
