Hi-Q's network development manager, Johann Hendriks, said that Hi-Q franchisees are able to log on to Gabriel's website and do each of four training courses at their own speed. On completion, candidates will do an online test for each module.
"The course will enable franchisees to gain a working knowledge of shock absorbers through the implementation of skills and knowledge," he said.
"e-learning is a convenient method to enable fitting centre staff to do training in their own time and virtually anywhere. The training modules cover; Beginner, Intermediate, Advance and Xpert," said Hendriks.
Once the course has been completed, a competency certificate will be issued.
Gabriel's executive manager marketing, Sean Staley, said the aim is to teach skills in fitting shocks and assist customers in evaluating when to replace their shocks.
This is the basis of the recently launched Safe Zone 2.6 programme, a safety programme educating fitting counter staff, management and motorists about vehicle and passenger safety. This includes responsible driving through education-based branding and training.
"The name Safe Zone 2.6 is based on road tests performed on an average passenger vehicle travelling at 80kmh with good shock absorbers, compared to a vehicle with worn shocks," said Staley.
"Good shocks will stop a vehicle on average 2.6 metres sooner than a similar vehicle with worn shocks, because with faulty shocks the wheels lose contact with the ground when applying brakes in an emergency."
"The Safe Zone 2.6 programme creates a simple unified two-way value proposition for each retail outlet and educates consumers on the importance of checking their shocks regularly," he said.
