Colorado

Class Schedule for January 27, 2024

Lincoln College of Technology
11194 E 45th Ave, Denver, CO 80239

Revised January 24, 2024

Technician Classes

Owner/Management Classes

Service Advisor Classes

Course Descriptions:

Technician Classes

Fundamentals of Electrical Systems
Tom Smith, Carquest/Advance

This session will begin with some foundational electrical concepts, then will probe deeply into the topic of using voltage drop as a diagnostic tool with an emphasis on computer power and ground circuits. This topic is highly misunderstood by many technicians in our industry. The class will then wrap up with an alternative method of diagnosing excessive parasitic draw using voltage drop as a test method.

Hybrid and EV – Drivetrain
Jake Sorensen, NAPA Autotech

In hybrid and electric vehicles, the Motor–Generator converts electrical power to mechanical power (and vice/versa). In essence, the motor uses electricity whereas the generator produces electricity. Through a process known as regenerative braking, the generator transfers otherwise wasted energy created by the rotating wheel while braking back to the battery pack. The motor then uses power from this high-capacity battery pack to drive the vehicle’s wheels.

Throughout this course, participants will be introduced to the operation of the Motor-Generator, Inverter/Powertrain and Resolvers. While some of the traditional methods are still valid, Technicians will learn essential new skills and tools needed to service Hybrid and Electric vehicles. Meg-ohmmeter and milli-ohmmeters are two of the tools used when diagnosing faults within the motor generator windings and the high-voltage cables that supply the voltage for the motor generators. Diagnostic procedures will be investigated using Scan Tools, Milli-ohmmeters, Mega-Ohmmeter and DVOMs to detect and resolve fault issues.

LD Diesel Driveability and Emission Diagnostics
Tony Salas, Powertrain

Tony Salas, training instructor, will conduct a session on LD Diesel Diagnostics. He will review current systems and subsystems found on LD Diesel Applications today. Discussion will include the various common rail systems and review the stages from low pressure to high pressure and return. The diagnostic approach will involve use of the scan tool and service information. Salas will continue with intake and also turbocharger testing on various models. Vehicles to be noted will be Duramax Diesel, RAM Cummins 7L and the Powerstroke 6.7L. His experience will bring case studies of issues he has found. Training will include the aftertreatment systems and issues with DPF and SCR. Derate issues will be addressed.

Final emphasis will be following a diagnostic approach and having competent skills especially with service information and scan tool use. Read PID data and know strengths and weakness of each system.

Intro to Lab Scope (in bays) [bring your own scope, limited space]
Oscar Gomez, Master Automotive Training

This interactive 4-hour course is for technicians interested in learning the basics of practical lab scope use for engine and vehicle diagnosis. We’ll cover how to set up your tool, take accurate waveforms, analyze data. Key topics include waveform components, inputs/triggers, scaling, power/ground circuits, sensors, mechanical issues, sample rates, filtering, and basic ignition plus fuel injector readings. You’ll get hands-on lab scope practice so you start gaining accurate real-world vehicle assessment skills.

Tesla hands on (with car in bays)
Seth Thorson, EuroTech

Seth Thorson has specialized in the service of European automobiles since 1999. He is the owner of Eurotech, which specializes in BMW, Mercedes, and Audi cars. He is a firm believer in using factory tools to ensure proper repairs and coding. His team of highly trained and certified technicians is able to diagnose today’s complex vehicle systems!

In this class, gain an understanding vehicle suspension; service mode; climates and calipers; brakes; scan tools; secret codes; parts and updates. Get familiar with the Tesla and the learning curve you will experience.

Next Level Shop Foreman
Mike Sitzman, ASA Colorado

This very valuable class will cover what it takes to be a great Shop Foreman and talks about how a tech can transition to shop foreman. Learn what skills are important if you  want to become a shop foreman - including service writing skills, developing your “people skills” and effective communication with customers, and increasing your problem-solving skills.  (For techs considering becoming a shop foreman; or shop foremen wanting to improve their skills)

What You Need to Know to Work on EV’s Safely
Mark Mills, Advance Instructor

Basic Welding Skills Class {repeating in afternoon}
Jahred Rund, Lincoln Tech

Learn the basic skills needed to weld safely in your shop.

Voltage Drop Testing
Steve Hatch, Lincoln Tech

This session will begin with some foundational electrical concepts, then will probe deeply into the topic of using voltage drop as a diagnostic tool with an emphasis on computer power and ground circuits. This topic is highly misunderstood by many technicians in our industry. The class will then wrap up with an alternative method of diagnosing excessive parasitic draw using voltage drop as a test method.

Thermal Imaging Diagnostics
Todd Doty, Carquest/Advance

Thermal Imaging is fast becoming a rapid, non-intrusive way to gather analytic data quickly. Thermal cameras are becoming widely available but correct operation that gives accurate results involves much more than point and shoot. Learn the benefits and the pitfalls of this technique. Topics include:

•     Understand the relationship of electrical load and heat
•     Diagnostic direction with Parasitic loads
•     Thermal imaging to help locate short circuits
•     Understand the differences in Thermal cameras
•     Know the limitations of thermal cameras
•     Explore documented used of thermal imaging for diagnosis on real use cases

Hybrid and EV – AC Diagnostics
Jake Sorensen, NAPA Autotech

With the ever-expanding line of Hybrid and EV vehicle models being released, we need to know how to accurately and safely service various systems in these vehicles. The fundamentals of air conditioning haven’t changed, but there are some important details that must be known, and safety procedures followed in relation to these high-voltage systems.

Students will be taught about safety precautions, component construction and operation, compressor design and heat pump systems, and diagnostics. Follow along as we introduce case studies that highlight different issues and their subsequent repairs.

Diesel Aftertreatment System Operation and Diagnostics
Tony Salas, Powertrain

Diesel Aftertreatment was introduced on various diesel applications since 2007 model year. This system has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). Tony Salas, instructor with Powertrain Training will review the first of aftertreatment systems but continue with the use of Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR). He will review each major component. The differences between the diesel powertrains will be reviewed. Use of a regeneration and understanding issues that cause premature loading of a DPF will be viewed. Salas will also discuss the operation of SCR and the use of DEF Fluid and NOX conversion. Upon discussing all the components, training will include key sensors that are used in these aftertreatment systems which are the NOX sensors, exhaust temperature sensors, pressure differential sensor, particulate and even ammonia sensors.

Salas will focus on derate issues and how to address a vehicle when a threat to derate or actual derate of vehicle speed has occurred. A diagnostic strategy will be viewed and role played for an understanding of aftertreatment and related components. Use of service information and scan tool use will be presented.

Understanding Electrical Diagnostic Tools
Tom Smith, Carquest/Advance

• Gain a deeper understanding of basic electricity, electrical measurements and the relationships between them
• Find and apply creative diagnostic solutions in real diagnostic case studies
• Discuss commonly used testing techniques to increase productivity
• Use wiring schematics and support information to pre-diagnose a problem
• Identify voltage and current characteristics of common circuit fault types
• Employ power flow techniques and explain why the circuit has to work the way it was designed at a more complex level
• Demonstrate proper and safe methods for conducting wiring harness and connector inspection and testing

The Effect of Fuel/Oil on Modern Engine Technology
Mike Leslie, BG Products

This class will talk about oil consumption and what it leads to in modern engines, such as  driveabilty issues and emmission failures.

Advanced Lab Scope (in bays) [bring your own scope, limited space]
Oscar Gomez, Master Automotive Training

Take your lab scope expertise further with this 4-hour advanced training. We’ll dive deeper into fuel injector analysis, analyzing secondary ignition, testing coil over plug systems, VVT solenoids, cam/crank sensors, and communication bus. Learn how scopes integrate with scan tool data for precise pinpoint tests. Suitable for techs with existing lab scope knowledge ready to progress to higher-level vehicle electronic and wave analysis skills.

Understanding Scanners & Lab Scopes (Beginner and Advanced)
Keith Wray & Jason Gabrenas, Snap On

In this course, we will cover component operation and testing using a Snap-on lab scope. We will cover the fuel system (injectors and fuel pumps) data bus testing (single-wire and CAN), ignition testing, and more. Since this is a hands-on class, each individual will use a provided Snap-on scope, so seating is limited. Even though the class is taught on Snap-on equipment, the concepts used in the class can be translated to any automotive scope (Snap-on will bring scopes)

Owner/Management / Service Advisor Classes

Emerging Technologies in Auto Repair (half session)
Susan Starnes, NAPA

Come hear one of the top experts in the field talk about what the future holds in terms of where the new technologies are going to take us and our businesses.

Susan Starnes is fully dedicated to understanding emerging technologies and helping workshops become ready for the impending changes in the aftermarket.  Come hear her speak about what the future holds for these new technologies are where they are going to take us and our businesses. Learn how the market is evolving and what is shaping it. Also understand what are the opportunities and resources you can leverage for your business.

How Effective is Your Marketing – Marketing Metrics (half session)
Mike DelaCruz, Overdryve Inc

Today’s consumers are smarter, more empowered and better connected than ever before. With your competitors only a click away, few businesses are actually the only option in town, making it increasingly challenging for shops to attract and retain customers. This presentation covers how to take advantage of the new digital marketing tools and get new, quality customers in your shop!

Mastering Financial Analysis
Mike Bennett, ATI

Mike Bennett has more than 3 decades in the Independent Auto Repair industry. Mike has been an ASE Master Technician and is the owner of Mike’s KARS Inc. in Gettysburg, PA. Fully immersed in the industry for his entire professional career as a master technician, shop foreman, general manager and automotive shop owner, Mike has a unique & broad perspective on the shop owner experience. Mike communicates with real-world experience and a “been there and done that” perspective. As an Alumni shop owner with Automotive Training Institute, he continues to operate his shop with his wife Shelle. Mike is a nationally certified Executive trainer and he has spent the last 10 years as a full-time business coach & executive coach with ATI as well as leading 2 of ATI’s premier shop owner 20 groups.

Shop Production and Payroll that Drive Profits
Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting

Many things contribute to your profit or lack of it. Our ability to produce work in a timely manner is the best way to make a store profitable.

• Lost hours kill profits - identify
• Paid for what you know
• Matching talent to work assignments

Once the revenue (all the above) is addressed we will move on to cost. Which is our payroll. Making sure we know who is on the payroll, why they are on the payroll and how they are paid is another driver of profits.

Your employee retention strategy is to charge appropriately and then pay more than your competition. Employees will never consider leaving for eliminate lost hours.

•     Sell time correctly – apply a labor matrix
•     Measurements to understand how small changes make a big difference.
•     Getting paid for what you do versus getting more money

Processes, Procedures, and their Effect on KPI's
Maylan Newton, ESI

Is your facility consistent when it comes to customer interaction, repair processes, and paperwork? Without specific processes and procedures throughout your facility, there is no consistency in anything, especially your key performance indicators.

This class takes a hard look at what is essential and what is not when building processes and procedures for your shop.

How to Increase Your Shop Profitability and Employee Retention in Any Economy!
Jimmy Alauria, Victory Team

Nobody wants to talk about it, but things are changing in shops all over the country. Yes, it's still busy in many shops, but people are spending less than what they were even a year ago. The GOOD news is, there are FIVE specific actions every shop owner and management team can do to ensure the shop continues to increase profitability. We can't control the stock market, interest rates or politics. This class will prepare your shop and ensure you are IN CONTROL and PROFITS CONTINUE TO INCREASE and your staff continues to be WELL PAID no matter what the economy presents us in this Election Year.

Increasing Productivity and Labor Profit
Cecil Bullard, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

Do you feel like you can’t get work out in a timely fashion?  Are your technicians doing less than 8 hours of billable work in a day?  Or, do you just want to make your business run smoothly and efficiently?  This is the class for you.  The average productivity in the Automotive Service and Repair Industry is 72%, costing shops tens of thousands of dollars of net profit each year.  The best run shops achieve 120% productivity and earn tens of thousands of additional profit each year.  This class will teach you what the best shops do to maximize their productivity.

•     The processes that affect productivity
•     How improving productivity increases tech pay and attitude
•     8 ways to motivate your team
•     How better communication improves productivity
•     And more…

Walk away from this class with several proven methods to improve your productivity and your profits and put the fun back into your business.

Becoming a Destination Employer: Hiring the Right Person and Keeping Them
Maylan Newton, ESI

In these times, going through the hiring process feels more like we are the ones preparing for the interview! We have to be ready to present our own professional resume to rise above the competition. In essence, it’s not much different from advertising and recruiting our customers; they are just a different and much more targeted audience. Many of the same avenues can be used, such as social media and our Google page. People value their time and have become less tolerant of a work environment that doesn’t meet their wants and needs. They are investing more time and consideration into their employment decisions, with so many available options. Come learn how to make your perfect employees say yes to your job offers and be their final employment destination! time and consideration into their employment decisions, with so many options being available to them. Come learn how to make your perfect employees say yes to your job offers and be their final employment destination!

Succession Planning and Exit Strategy
Frank Scandura, Franks Automotive, WTI & Transformer's Institute

Frank Scandura has over 40 years of automotive experience and over 25 years of experience as a service center entrepreneur. He is most known for his expertise in European vehicles and is the author of the book, “How To Take Care Of Your Vehicle So It Will Take Care Of You”

Preparing Your Shop to Work on EV's
Tom Pacheco, CDOT; Al and Alex Oramas, PUB Serv CO Rep

For shop owners’ special session-

Learn how you can work with ASA and CDOT to find ways to train your technicians, and get your shop ready to take on repairing EV’s.

Problem Solvers - How to get problems solved and keep them solved!
Jimmy Alauria, Victory Team

Tired of having to be the solution for problems that others are paid to solve? Want more time to do your job or freedom away from the shop? If you have teammates who come to you with more problems than solutions, you need to attend this class?

Whether organizationally or on the vehicle, winning shops are focused on finding solutions! It's a responsibility built into the culture and there is an exact formula to follow in order to get the responsibilities of each employee and the company policies & procedures to stick. This class teaches Owners, Managers, and Shop Foreman the three types of employees, and their personality traits, that they need to know in order to build a winning team culture that solves problems and keeps them solved!

Profits with Purpose- A Sales Model that Employees Can Embrace
Mike Bennett, ATI

How to Become an Inspiring Leader
Cecil Bullard, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

Everyone can inspire others. Skilled leaders create high performing teams and amazing individuals. Learn how to inspire your team and create a culture of production and success in your business.

Students are taught:

• The 6 stages of leadership and 4 stages of building trust within your organization
• How to create a high performing team
• 10 ways to improve communication individually and as a team
• The secrets to reducing conflict and building self-esteem
• 8 ways to be a more inspiring leader
• How to avoid blame, identify patterns and focus energy on improving results

You will walk away with a better understanding of yourself and your team and the skills to become a better leader. You will have the knowledge to improve your communication and the communication of your team. Improving communication and culture improves decisions and results. You will have the tools needed to inspire those around you and improve their lives.

Strategies for Building a Resilient Workforce: Nurturing Leaders for Long-term Success & Commitment
Kent Bullard, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

Explore strategies to build a resilient workforce and cultivate leaders who are committed to long-term success. Through insightful discussions and practical examples, we will delve into the key principles and practices that empower organizations to thrive in the face of challenges. Get ready to gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways as we cover tools to build a workforce that thrives in today's competitive and ever-changing business environment.

Is Your Digital Footprint Recession Ready?
Jimmy Lea, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

Get found in the digital realm regardless of the current economic status. Welcome to the 21st where if you don’t exist digitally… you don’t exist. Grab your recession ready checklist for building a fool-proof foundation to establish your marketing superiority online. Learn what must be done to optimize your digital footprint in the metaverse. From websites to google to claiming your social territories, we’ll cover the necessary pillars of your marketing strategy to take advantage of a down economy.

Using AI to Grow Your Business
George Zeeks, ATI

Don’t be afraid to use the new AI technology to pinpoint and refine your marketing techniques to build your shops’ bottom line.  The instructor will show you new and innovative techniques to reach out to new customers utilizing AI technology.

Habits of Highly Successful Advisors
Phil Christensen, BG Auto

I purchased a 1974 Jeep and learned fast that I had to work on it more than drive it. But with that I knew automotive is where I wanted to be. During high school I picked up some automotive classes at Front Range Community College and continued to grow my knowledge.

While learning more about vehicles, I found that the real reason I enjoyed the field so much was that I was making new friends and was able to interact with so many people. That became a helpful piece of knowledge and I shifted gears. Instead of continuing the path of working on vehicles as a profession, I still get to do it every once in a while.

Service Advisor Success Blueprint: Mastering Communication
Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting

Gain the essential skills to excel as a service advisor. This course covers the key elements of successful communication, enabling you to establish strong connections with both customers and technicians.

As a service advisor, effective communication is paramount to building trust, providing exceptional customer experiences, and ensuring smooth interactions with technicians. Learn practical strategies for engaging with customers in a customer-centric manner, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that exceed their expectations.

Learn how to foster seamless communication with technicians, ensuring clear and efficient service workflows. Explore techniques to relay customer requirements accurately and facilitate open dialogue, allowing for optimal collaboration between service advisors and technicians.

Now, you have a comprehensive blueprint to navigate the complexities of service advisor communication. Be equipped to create a positive impact on both your customers' experiences and your service team's effectiveness.

Tekmetric Working Session for Service Advisors
Zack Ward - Tekmetric

For managers and service advisors who work directly with the Tekmetric software system in their business - this will be a hands on trouble shooting session to answer your questions on how to improve the efficiency of your shop through your Tekmetric applications.