Over the summer, as part of school start-up preparation and training, 14 maintenance team members from Durham School Services and its sister brands, Petermann Bus and Stock Transportation, participated in IC Bus University's annual three-day training sessions.

"It is important for our company to ensure our team members are provided with opportunities to fine-tune and enhance their skills. The annual IC Bus University Training is one example, and timing-wise, it is a great segue and supplement to our own school start-up preparation," said Regis Rock, senior manager of talent development at Durham School Services.

According to a release, the training sessions taught participants how to service various types of engines, transmissions, and other vital bus components from different manufacturers and vendors. Representatives from each manufacturer led their respective trainings for each bus component.

Training topics included, but were not limited to:

• Allison transmissions

• Bendix Intellipark/Stability

• Braun Ability wheelchair lift

• Cummins diesel engines

• Electric Buses

• New DLB/SDS software training

• Next Gen updates

• Service Portal navigation

In addition to the training sessions, participants were also allowed to tour IC Bus's assembly plants for both their standard and electric school buses.

"Most importantly, these training and development opportunities ensure that our technicians are continuously being equipped with the utmost knowledge and skills to keep our buses in top condition to transport students safely year-round," Rock said. "We are lucky that we have some of the most committed, ambitious team members who are constantly searching for training opportunities to refine and advance their skills and are glad to be able to support their development.”