The Society for Protective Coatings has launched a new Applicator Train-the-Trainer Program. The new course is designed to provide in-house coatings trainers and their staff with a standardized curriculum that can be delivered on-site in either a shop or jobsite at their convenience.

The Applicator Course is intended to meet the requirements of the proposed SSPC/NACE Joint Standard Recommended Practice TG 320 – Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification. The two-day train-the-trainer program reviews the applicator curriculum through lectures, team exercises, and a hands-on component that covers hand-and-power tool cleaning, blasting, and spray application. Trainers completing this "Train- the-Trainer" session are qualified by SSPC to return to their facilities and teach the SSPC curriculum to their

applicators.

SSPC has taken the added step of packaging the program with a record-keeping component that permits turnkey training and documentation for participating companies. In addition to the training course itself, SSPC provides a complete lesson plan for trainers that includes the equipment and supplies necessary to teach the course at their own facilities. Finally, SSPC will maintain documentation on facility employee training and issue certificates to workers who complete the course.

The first public offerings of the Applicator Train-the-Trainer Program will be held December 3-4, 2007 and Dec 5-6, 2007 at KTA-Tator, Inc in Pittsburgh, PA. Introductory pricing for the two-day training program is $495 for SSPC members and $695 for non-members. The course also awards .6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The next offering will be held as post-show training, January 31-February 1, 2008, following PACE 2008 in Los Angeles.

For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Miller, SSPC training and technical program specialist, at 877.281.7772, ext 2221, or e-mail miller@sspc.org.