Hands-on Workshop Keeps Technicians and Vehicles Up to Speed

High Point, N.C. – As the largest transit program in the United States, nearly half a million school buses drive 4.3 billion miles each year, all while maintaining a safety record unequalled in the transportation industry. Thomas Built Buses knows what it takes to keep all those buses running safely, efficiently and reliably, and offers bus technicians the Thomas Built Institute as a way to complement school bus maintenance programs.

“Ever-changing technology, EPA standards and safety regulations are tough to keep up with,” said Mike Stotler, service education manager for Thomas Built Buses. “The annual Thomas Built Institute here in High Point offers school bus technicians a great way to get hands-on training and first-hand experience in small classes, all in less than a week’s time.”

A tradition that began as a traveling bus with 10 students has now grown into an annual weeklong curriculum for Thomas Built customers. Participating technicians select the track they want and receive 28 credit hours of continuing education in less than a week.

The 2011 institute curriculum includes:

• 2011 Emissions System
• Advanced Electrical
• Choice of one of the following tracks:
  • Type C: Multiplex, Service Link & Troubleshooting

    or

  • Type D: Electrical & Fan Drive
• Coolant, Maintenance & Cost Savings
• Utilizing Websites, Resources & Wire Diagrams
• Factory tours

To register for the 2011 Thomas Built Institute May 10-13, visit www.thomasbus.com. Early enrollment is recommended, with registration limited to 100 participants to ensure small class sizes and personal attention.

The training is $250 and includes lunch and ground transportation. Because of the institute’s growing popularity, Thomas Built Buses will add a second 2011 session in conjunction with the STN Expo in Reno, Nevada from July 26-28.

About Thomas Built Buses

Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at www.thomasbus.com or at http://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.