newbie training advice?

[C.Vallon]

Hi guys, so as I've mentioned in my first intro post, I'm new to the career field. I've completed a few of the online courses while waiting for my actual tier 2 instruction. What I am wondering is if there is any other recommended training you'd advise that I can take to help bring me up to speed? Below is a list of the current completed online courses I've done with the Ricoh Learning Institution

Digital Color Basics ( Self Paced )
Digital Color Technology Equivalency
Technology Essentials Tier 1 Equivalency
Technology Essentials Tier 1
Ricoh Fundamentals of Ricoh Websites Training Module
Ricoh Fundamentals of the MFP Training Module

Thanks in advance, I'm trying to learn as much as possible as quickly as I can. Like any new career field, it seems a bit daunting at first, though I do relatively enjoy the challenges.

[subaro]

Re: newbie training advice?

Nice, you are one your way and good stuff you have done to get started.
First, i should say, in this business the learning curve is how much time you are willing to spend in independent learning. What i mean is, tutuors will teach you procedures, but won't babysit as new techs seems to want. you have to be inquisitive about how things work and learn their function. e.g clutch and one-way bearings. You, must also understand basic electricty and how to use a multimeter and soldering station. Those are time you will have to spend independently to acquire the skill set.
It is very important to observe the precautions that is stated in the manuals, machines and other places.
There are many others i can mention, like tools ect.

But for me anyway, the answer to your question is, There is no quick way to speed up the learning curve, it comes by experience and going through what every tech with years of elbow and knees wear have done. But to your advantage, the machines today are in my opinion easier to repair hardware wise. Application, networking and integration of apps, the scope of use is becoming wider every day and more intensive.

Also, as one of my co-worker keep telling me, not every chip of the block can make the same whistle, meaning some people grasp things quicker in this field that other do. And last, you have to really like challenges and get your hair pulled sometimes as you can see in this forum and of course like doing this type of work.

I wrote this many lines, because i want to really welcome you this field of work. Most of the techs that i know are over 50 and the young come and go as they find it a daunting task to learn so much.
Last. ATTITUDE, you are going to deal with the public and many diffrent people. this is my piece, maybe some will disagree, so they must give thier input.

[rapidocument]

Re: newbie training advice?

In my opinion, the first thing to teach a trainee is the following:

• No, it is NOT the Drum
• No, it is NOT the Board
• No, there is no magic Reset for it.

That's something I learned from an ex-Xerox Trainer Sr. and it has worked for me hundreds of times, of course, experience will tell you if its the drum at first sight but I recommend not to blame drum/boards as the first thing you think of. Also consider that probably there is no reset for it and this way you can focus on the mechanical/electrical/xerographic logic of the machine and get to the cause most of the time, believe me, you'll be surprised.

"it's the board" or "it needs a factory values reset" is considered in my shop a customer opinion or a technical poor evaluation (without carrying a detailed revision first).

[blackcat4866]

Re: newbie training advice?

Nice, you are one your way and good stuff you have done to get started.
First, i should say, in this business the learning curve is how much time you are willing to spend in independent learning. What i mean is, tutuors will teach you procedures, but won't babysit as new techs seems to want. you have to be inquisitive about how things work and learn their function. e.g clutch and one-way bearings. You, must also understand basic electricty and how to use a multimeter and soldering station. Those are time you will have to spend independently to acquire the skill set.
It is very important to observe the precautions that is stated in the manuals, machines and other places.
There are many others i can mention, like tools ect.

But for me anyway, the answer to your question is, There is no quick way to speed up the learning curve, it comes by experience and going through what every tech with years of elbow and knees wear have done. But to your advantage, the machines today are in my opinion easier to repair hardware wise. Application, networking and integration of apps, the scope of use is becoming wider every day and more intensive.

Also, as one of my co-worker keep telling me, not every chip of the block can make the same whistle, meaning some people grasp things quicker in this field that other do. And last, you have to really like challenges and get your hair pulled sometimes as you can see in this forum and of course like doing this type of work.

I wrote this many lines, because i want to really welcome you this field of work. Most of the techs that i know are over 50 and the young come and go as they find it a daunting task to learn so much.
Last. ATTITUDE, you are going to deal with the public and many diffrent people. this is my piece, maybe some will disagree, so they must give thier input.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

It all comes down to time under the bus. I think the hardest thing for me to learn was how to let all the personal slights leave me unaffected. Your best customer service tool is the silent smile. No matter how much they yell and scream, bitch and moan, and wave their arms, the enduser will not pull me into their anger fit. Most of the time, they just feel really stupid and childish after they've vented. =^..^=

[JR2ALTA]

Re: newbie training advice?

1) Get out in the field ASAP and stay out.

2) Nothing sucks more than screwing up in the field. But it sucks because you care and you want to do better.

3) You will never repeat the same mistakes.

3a) 5-10 years of not repeating mistakes makes you a pretty decent tech.

4) 9/10 times the problem is easier than you think. Relax and begin process of elimination.

5) Do whatever your service manager/boss tells you. You're getting paid.

6) Lots of hot office ladies. Look but don't stare.

[ZOOTECH]

Re: newbie training advice?

Hi guys, so as I've mentioned in my first intro post, I'm new to the career field. I've completed a few of the online courses while waiting for my actual tier 2 instruction. What I am wondering is if there is any other recommended training you'd advise that I can take to help bring me up to speed? Below is a list of the current completed online courses I've done with the Ricoh Learning Institution

Digital Color Basics ( Self Paced )
Digital Color Technology Equivalency
Technology Essentials Tier 1 Equivalency
Technology Essentials Tier 1
Ricoh Fundamentals of Ricoh Websites Training Module
Ricoh Fundamentals of the MFP Training Module

Thanks in advance, I'm trying to learn as much as possible as quickly as I can. Like any new career field, it seems a bit daunting at first, though I do relatively enjoy the challenges.

So, are you under the keen eye of "slimslob" ?; if so, you're in good hands!
Having a positive attitude is a great start.
If you don't learn something new each day, you will fall behind - quickly!
And as my signature refers to - pay attention to what you're doing; you'll make fewer mistakes paying attention to details, and the job will become easier.
And last of all - hang in there, there will be times you'll think you choose the wrong profession.
But, it is a satisfying profession.

[subaro]

Re: newbie training advice?

So, are you under the keen eye of "slimslob" ?; if so, you're in good hands!
Having a positive attitude is a great start.
If you don't learn something new each day, you will fall behind - quickly!
And as my signature refers to - pay attention to what you're doing; you'll make fewer mistakes paying attention to details, and the job will become easier.
And last of all - hang in there, there will be times you'll think you choose the wrong profession.
But, it is a satisfying profession.

Short and to the point. I like those advice above.

I am a bit disappointed by the scant replies to a young man who has asked for some direction into his future world of work and which many here has tons of seniority to peg on a few works. The few who has replied is not withholding their natural fatherly instinct to advise to success.

I remember when i first started in this field, i encountered many who withheld answers to questions i had that could have solved easy service calls. Then i decided to take the bulls by the horn and search far, do my own research, beat the books as they say on my own to find answers. With the advent of the internet, that has made my search so much easier and it is a vital tool for a tech of today.

All this to say. YOU WILL ENCOUNTER OBSTACLES, BE IT HUMAN OR OTHER, BUT THE WILL TO CONQUER MUST BE WITHIN OR your two hands will be in your pocket and dismay will set in.

COME ON GUYS, with all those years behind you, give this young man some encouragement . its not him alone, i am pretty sure their are others listening and watching too, even though it might be repeating what others has said. I think many has gained from this forum, so they can give back a little. But, tell the truth.

[blackcat4866]

Re: newbie training advice?

...

COME ON GUYS, with all those years behind you, give this young man some encouragement . its not him alone, i am pretty sure their are others listening and watching too, even though it might be repeating what others has said. I think many has gained from this forum, so they can give back a little. But, tell the truth.

Oh, the good things?

For me, in this job, it's the satisfaction of solving a puzzle, being a detective. Depending on your employer you may have a greater or lesser degree of freedom on how your time is spent.

Occasionally you'll have an enduser the really appreciates what you do and how you do it. They may even give you an endorsement.

So much of the end results depend on how you handle yourself. If you remain humble and persist at every problem as if it were your own personal problem, you'll do well. If you get too good for the job or your customers ... well they can tell, and won't want your presence. You don't understand this yet, but you will. We all know techs like this.

Very little of my troubleshooting skills have come from any manual or training. It's all come from watching other techs, fortunate accidents, and unfortunate accidents. The manuals are valuable tools, but only tools. You have to know how best to use them. They're not your only tools, and not necessary the best source for every situation.

I've done many different kinds of work over the years and this is the most challenging, and rewarding, and frustrating, all at once. I always seem to come back to it. This is surprisingly hard to talk about, considering that I rant on about most everything else. Does this make any sense to you? =^..^=

[apump]

Re: newbie training advice?

having a good and positive attitude is huge. the customer is more understanding when you have problems fixing one, or its taking longer than it should. and talk with the customer. we have techs that customers don't really care for or they don't want them back because they just go in and fix it or incomplete it and will not say much and leave, customers hate this. another thing take your time. you get in a rush and your going to cost youself time and money. read forums and go with one of your senior techs at times you will definitely pick up things. for the most part its a easy job minus a few rough customers (copiers), all you do is drive around and fix copiers and you not stuck behind a desk 8 hours a day. good luck to ya...

[NeoMatrix]

Re: newbie training advice?

COME ON GUYS, with all those years behind you, give this young man some encouragement . its not him alone, i am pretty sure their are others listening and watching too, even though it might be repeating what others has said. I think many has gained from this forum, so they can give back a little. But, tell the truth.

haha... yeah... To err on the side of caution.
I feel we should be inviting him into his new caree path; not scare the crap out of him first up...

I believe he is in safe company on this forum. With the world wide technicians we have here and some media news-bots watching his every move <add shaking in boots> he should be starting to get the idea if he hasn't already. Read the forums and search first if you wish to know more then ask.

Welcome to your new career path. Feel free to ask any questions, if some one doesn't know the answer there is usually someone who does. Never never be afraid to ask a question no matter how trival it seems.
As one of my university lecturers once said : Leave your pride at the door on entry, it's better to ask a question and look foolish than to remain fool the rest of your life.
Be prepare to learn anew machine every 3 months as they're released. The learning you must master very quickly. You need to learn the artform of "how to learn".

[fixthecopier]

Re: newbie training advice?

Some really solid advise so far. If I may add a few...

Collect every manual you can get. You may be brand specific now, but you cannot predict who you will work for in the future, or what your dealership will work on.

If you ask 2 techs for advice on a problem, the solution that seems like the most work is usually the correct one.

Make your customer know how concerned you are about their business being affected by the breakdown. They will be more relaxed if they feel you are are their side in this big emergency.

Some customers will bond with you, some will not. Treat the good ones like gold. It is a reflection on you when they call and only want you to show up. Treat the bad ones like gold. It is a reflection on you when they call and ask that you not be sent.

Don't show weakness to the customer. If you are stumped, tell them you need a part, a tool or more research. Never throw your hands up and say "Beats the hell out of me"

When asked if it can be fixed, the correct answer is "Everything can be fixed."

Be a hoarder if you have a place to keep it. Saving those old fusers and feed assemblies will save your ass one day, when you need spare parts to test, or when you break something.

When you are really stumped, make those phone calls in private so the customers doesn't loose faith.

Careful what you say after going behind another tech.



I almost forgot this important one. When you are fighting a problem, you should try to play "stump the tech" when you have to ask someone else, even tec support for help. Your goal should be to hear the other guy respond after you have told him what steps you have taken with..."I don't know what to tell you, it sounds like you have done everything." If that is your goal every time, you will have to make fewer and fewer tech support phone calls.

[allan]

Re: newbie training advice?

No one can teach patience and persistence a machine can.
Ask someone to sabotage machines in the workshop for you. I you can figure out what the experienced guys can throw at you your troubleshooting ability would get better soon.

I have a trick i pull on a BH B211 no one could solve yet and its fun watching them try. I had one guy put seethrough number plate glare spray on the platen glass the stuff you use to stop cameras taking pictures of you plates. It would make the copies look out of focus. It took me 3 days to solve by cleaning a clean looking piece of glass out of frustration.

[Zackuth]

Re: newbie training advice?

I have found that the best tool a tech can have is patience! Sometimes just sitting at the machine making copy after copy for an hour is what it takes to figure out the problem. As an example, we had a machine that the paper would jam in the finisher. By the time we got there, the customer had cleared the jam and the machine ran fine. It took weeks for us to finally see the paper jam. We brought the finisher here and I hooked it up to another machine and kept making copies. Finally I saw a guide not move and found a solenoid failing but I spent at least half an hour making one copy at a time to see it.

[qbert69]

Re: newbie training advice?

1. Get out in the field...if you don't feel comfortable by yourself, buddy up and go with another, more senior tech!

2. Listen.

3. Ask questions...of your customer AND your more senior tech(s)!--remember, the only stupid question is the one that is not asked!!!

4. Collect as much data as possible!!--diagnostics such as error logs and problematic copies and printouts.

5. Learn and don't be afraid to say, "I don't know!--Let me do some research!" Only after you have collected the data and attempted to assess the situation can you truly say "I don't know!, if you truly DON'T KNOW!!!--Go and talk to a Senior Tech!

6. HAVE FUN!!!

PS--DON'T FORGET THE METER READING SHEET!!!

PPS--Hands on, In the Field is the BEST WAY to LEARN!!!--Gotta get on the bike to learn to ride it!

[C.Vallon]

Re: newbie training advice?

Let me take a moment to say thank for to everyone that has taken the time out of their busy lives to address my concerns and offer advice. I must say I wasn't expecting that much attention to this thread! But glad to have it.

Like many of you have mentioned, it is daunting to go out there on your own with only a handful bits of knowledge, wanting nothing more than to fix the unit and complete the job. So far, there has been a total of three calls that I wasn't able to fix on my own, out in the field. Some of these are due to of course, not having the required parts to fix the issue, others I needed to speak with Slim about, to make sure that I was on the right path.
It seems more times than not that I find my self nervous and "unsure" of my self, I know this is due to the fact that I'm still learning, that the pressure I feel is mostly self inflicted. Walking away from a client site with a unit still down or the problem not corrected as well as it should be, seems to be a growing pet peeve of mine. I'm sure, with enough experience and practice I can turn that into a positive drive, right now it seems I just need to work on building up my own confidence levels.

I have noticed that some clients are better than others. There are a few that I really don't like to visit, yet when I do I still put on my friendly smile, try to converse with them while sorting the root cause of whatever the issue is, what I can't stand though is when a client likes to hover as you work?! That makes me so nervous, even though I know the likelihood of them knowing anything about what I may or may not be doing is low, it's jut one of those 'feelings' when someone is looking over your shoulder, kinda adds a hiccup in my step. Then, there are those clients that are great. I've been luckily enough to deal with both types.

So far the advice offered and given has been sound and rather well received, so again thank you all for that. I still seem to be under the self imposed impression that "I should already know ____", though it appears that is only self imposed.

I will end with this warning though, I've taken the advice "Leave your pride at the door and ask your questions here" to heart. So uh, I may or may not bombard the forums as I become frustrated or confused. ^.^

Have a great Monday!