Comprehensive Pump Training
KSB Pumps and Valves has invested in a specialised training centre designed to equip internal and branch staff, as well as certified partners with in-depth knowledge of their products and systems. Clients are also catered for with provision of 1st line maintenance and operator training
According to Craig Hawkins, who heads up the SupremeServ Academy, the initiative was started due to the growing need for skills development across the service value chain particularly in support of the company’s broad pump portfolio.
Wide audience
“Our academy is designed to arm our people and partners with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully repair, maintain, install and fault-find KSB products and related equipment. It also aims to ensure that end-users are educated in how to operate our pumps efficiently and reliably,” says Craig.
He explains that the training offered at the SupremeServ Academy has been created to suit a wide audience including artisans, technicians, engineers, sales teams, certified service partners and clients. It encompasses over 280 training modules, covering everything from basic pump theory, pump selection and industry-specific applications to model-specific maintenance, value-added products like Pump-Guard and even site installation and set-up simulation training.
Blend of theoretical and interactive
These modules vary in duration ranging from one-day sessions to week-long courses and offer a blend of theoretical and interactive content depending on the needs of participants. While the Academy is currently not a profit generating centre, course costs are structured to cover facilitator fees, training materials and related travel or accommodation expenses particularly when sessions are delivered off-site.
“Knowledge is power and by completing our courses, staff improve their skillsets and meet personal development goals. Certification also assures our clients that our work is being carried out by qualified professionals,” Craig adds.
Successful courses
He continues that training is mainly held at the company’s Jet Park-based facility, where a well-equipped lecture room accommodates up to 16 participants. The room features a Clevertouch screen, individual workstations, display models of pumps and component. Tea, coffee and light meals are served on site.
Although still in its early stages the academy has already hosted several successful courses including SAPMA’s advanced pump training and API standards overview. “Upcoming sessions designed for specific industry personnel such as for boiler water circulating pumps for our energy partners, are already scheduled,” Craig advises.
Phase two
Phase two of the Academy, which is currently underway, will include a dedicated practical workshop at KSB’s SupremeServ Jet Park centre allowing for hands-on training and product familiarisation. These sessions will also benefit field service teams who support critical installations such as power stations, water reticulation, petro-chemical, paper industry as well as other industry sectors
Internal training is coordinated through department heads, while clients typically make contact via sales or contracts/projects teams, or directly through SupremeServ.
