The Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA) now offers an online version of its Valve Basics Training course. In an effort to reach more industry employees, VMA adapted its place-based training to the Web with the launch of Valve Basics Online Training (VBOT).
According to recent VMA research, the valve industry employs 30,000 people -- a 50 percent increase from a decade ago. But the industry faces competitive challenges as the workforce ages.
In response, VMA established an in-depth valve education program -- Valve Ed -- in 2009 to help those working in the valve industry or the industries that use valves, train current and future valve employees.
Four years after its introduction, more than 900 people have taken the 101 course, which includes a hands-on component called the Valve Petting Zoo, and hundreds more people have ordered other educational products from the association. The new online training program will provide another vehicle to promote valve literacy and career interest
VBOT includes eight lessons and features live narration. Students can complete the course at their own pace and will receive six hours of continuing education credits and a certificate of completion.
For more information, visit www.VMA.org.