For 1990-2009 cars

# Info - Transition of Saturn Technical Training to GM Service Technical College (STC) Training Program (U.S. Only)

Subject: | Transition of Saturn Technical Training to GM Service Technical College (STC) Training Program (U.S. Only)

Models: | 2006 and Prior Saturn Vehicles

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform Saturn retailers of the transition of Saturn Technical Training to the GM Service Technical College (STC) Training Program.

### Background

Historically, Saturn has maintained a separate and unique technician training program. The training facilities were solely dedicated to Saturn technicians and the training content was specific to Saturn vehicles. With the ongoing expansion of the Saturn product line and the use of common vehicle platforms, the benefits of consolidating Saturn and GM technician training have become evident. Therefore, at the September FOT meeting, Saturn Retailers approved the transition to STC training beginning January 1, 2006.

### Benefits

There are several benefits Saturn retailers will realize from the transition, including:

• | Additional training locations

• | Increased "in facility" training

• | Addition of interactive distance learning (IDL) training medium

• | Training paths that allow technician specialization

• | Reduced training requirements

• | Training on the entire GM product line

### Curriculum

The Service Technical College offers a performance based curriculum across all divisions. To receive credit for a course, service technicians must demonstrate competency in all applicable course components, which may include: web based training (WBT), interactive distance learning (IDL), hands-on training, GM Service Know-How videos and seminars, and print-based training (PBT).

The goal of the performance based curriculum is to provide a path for service technicians to meet the requirement for Minimum Divisional Service Training Standards (STS). The curriculum is divided into twelve certification areas, including:

• | Engine Repair

• | Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

• | Steering and Suspension

• | Brakes

• | Electrical/Electronic Systems

• | Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• | Engine Performance

• | Diesel Engine Performance (not applicable to Saturn)

• | Manual Drivetrain and Axle

• | Body Structural Repair

• | Mechanical/Electrical Body Repair

• | Paint and Refinish (offered through GM-approved suppliers)

### Blended Learning Media Mix Overview

Training is available at the retail facility through a variety of media. The Service Technical College represents a move away from traditional instructor-based training techniques to blended learning with more flexible delivery methods while emphasizing performance-based outcomes. This training strategy better supports service technician training by offering the appropriate media mix for the needed training.

The media mix includes, but is not exclusive to, web based training (WBT), interactive distance learning (IDL), video, and print based-training (PBT). This in-retail facility training is supported with facilitated hands-on training offered at various training locations. The shift to increased on-site training allows service technicians to improve their product knowledge and advance their repair and diagnostic skills while spending less time away from the retail facility.

### Cross Credit

Saturn technicians will continue to receive full credit for any Saturn training previously completed. In other words, a fully training Saturn technician is considered fully trained within the STC program. Those technicians that are partially Saturn trained will receive partial STC credit according to the following table:

Technicians completing these courses: | Will receive full credit within STC for these certification areas:
--- | ---
STT1 | Electrical/Electronic Systems Mechanical/Electrical Body Repair
STT2 | Engine Repair Engine Performance Brakes Steering and Suspension HVAC
STT3 | Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Manual Drivetrain and Axle

### Training Requirements

Technician training requirements have been changed significantly compared to Saturn’s previous "all technicians must be 100% fully trained" policy. These changes are in accordance with STC policies that encourage technicians to specialize in certain repair areas rather than be "bumper-to-bumper" trained.

The following table displays the number of technicians required to complete each curriculum area based on retail facility size (annual retail sales, minus fleet):

Important: This table represents the minimum level of technician training as agreed upon by the FOT. Facilities can, and are encouraged, to train above the minimum standard if possible.

### Billing

Beginning January 1, 2006, technical training will change to the GM billing format. Specifically, each facility will be billed monthly based on facility size (determined by annual new vehicle sales, not including fleet sales). This format differs from the previous Saturn technical training billing strategy which was according to the number of technicians at each facility and their training completion.

The following table displays the monthly technical training cost based on facility size:

Group | Annual Sales | Monthly Cost
--- | --- | ---
A | 1 to 150 | $80
B | 151 to 350 | $100
C | 351 to 700 | $110
D | 701 to 1500 | $170
E | 1500 or more | $290

### STC Course Catalog

This bulletin is meant to give a high-level overview of upcoming changes to the Saturn technician training program. There is a significant amount of detailed information that was not covered such as course content, training path requirements, training facility locations, etc. In the near future, the online STC Course Catalog will be updated to include all pertinent Saturn information.