According to Jackie Rohosky, DTAE' s assistant commissioner of economic development programs, Quick Start's mobile technology training lab answers a long-recognized need for a flexible approach to deliver computer-related training, The technical college tabs across the state are often overbooked, and many companies simply do not have the facilities needed for in-house training. "The mobile lab is able to offer the right training, at the right time, conveniently, and in response to the company's particular needs," she says. "It's a valuable tool that allows Quick Start to be able to respond to computer-related training needs throughout all of Georgia."

Dani Bishop facilitates a computerized customer service job simulation
for prospective Suntory Water Group employees in the mobile lab.

Quick Start's mobile technology training lab can hold 10 students at a time and is wheelchair accessible. It can be parked anywhere and is capable of generating its own electrical power. Workstations in the lab are networked and capable of running computer applications on multiple platforms. Innovative instructional technologies are seamlessly integrated into the mobile lab. Among these are an electronic white board, a ceiling-mounted LCD projector, and an instructor-controlled workstation monitoring and display system.

The lab stays continuously booked at Blue Bird and Wanderlodge in Fort Valley, where school buses and custom motor coaches are manufactured, Quick Start trained 442 employees from all areas of operations. Blue Bird's human resources manager, Michael McCurdy, says employees especially benefited from having the mobile lab on site so training could be completed in the workplace. "More employees were able to participate, since they did not have to travel," he says.

Sandra Morris, who oversees the mobile technology lab's operation as Quick Start's director of performance technology, notes that the lab does more than provide training in general business software applications. "The lab can accommodate a company's proprietary computer applications," she says. "Also, the lab provides a state-of-the-art delivery system for multimedia-based training programs in a variety of manufacturing and service industry skill sets -- everything from blueprint reading to business writing."

At Suntory Water Group, the technology lab serves another unique purpose. It is used to administer a state-of-the-art customer service job simulation and skill assessment as a part of pre-employment services for the company's new call center in Flowery Branch. Patti Skelton, manager of human resources for the Suntory National Call Center, commends the assessment program.

"It is always difficult to determine from resumes and interviews alone if an applicant truly has all the necessary skills to be successful," Skelton says. "In a start-up operation, it is even more critical to have the right tools to aid in the final selection. Thanks to the convenience of Quick Start's mobile lab and the supportive and professional instructors, we are on track with our staffing requirements."

Another satisfied Quick Start client is Kevin Bock, customer service manager for PublixDirect's new headquarters in Alpharetta. "Quick Start's mobile technology lab is super." he says. "We had four classes recently that far exceeded our expectations. The main benefit to our company was putting our new associates on the same playing field in computer skills. This helps with efficiency as well as job retention." QS