TULSA, Okla. — IC Bus recently hosted the 12th edition of IC Bus University technician training at its school bus plant here.

This year, more than 300 attendees participated in the program, which was designed to train technicians from IC Bus customers across the U.S. The event consisted of a total of five day-long sessions — three basic sessions and two advanced sessions — over the course of five weeks.

The event featured training on several supplier systems, including Allison, Bendix, BraunAbility, Cummins, and drivetrain solution supplier Dana, as well as training on electrical systems, gas engines, the International Service PortalSM, and OnCommand Connection. The advanced sessions offered similar types of training, but with a more in-depth curriculum. The sessions also included a tour of the IC Bus manufacturing plant.

“Our suppliers are crucial to the event’s success and they play a massive role in helping us grow, improve, expand, and successfully execute our summer IC Bus University training program each year,” said Trish Reed, vice president and general manager of IC Bus. “Largely due to this collaboration and the feedback we receive from attendees, I can proudly say that this was the most valuable and robust event yet, as another wave of technicians — including our repeat attendees — are now better equipped to service our school buses and help transport our students safely and reliably.”

Also added to the lineup of activities this year was a skill test competition for the advanced class. According to IC Bus, the competition was well received by attendees, with all members of the first-place team being awarded with a Nexiq Blue Tooth Diagnostic Link — a tool that helps technicians diagnose concerns and increase their bus fleet uptime by creating Navistar health reports and fault code action plans.

“Our technicians are at the heart of this business and it’s vital that we continue to support them in the important role they play in keeping our children safe,” Reed said. “Due to their remarkable skill sets, these children can rely on our buses to be the safest form of transportation for them to get to school and back.”

In 2020, IC Bus said that it hopes to continue the success of IC Bus University and have additional technicians in attendance. Next year’s training sessions will take place from June 15 to July 20, according to the school bus manufacturer.