SEW-Eurodrive introduces drive training for 2011

SEW-Eurodrive has released an updated 2011 calendar for its nationwide motor and drive technology training program, known as DriveAcademy. Based on the same in-depth technical training syllabus used to educate SEW-Eurodrive’s own engineers, DriveAcademy provides end users and system integrators with a comprehensive set of skills required to get the most out of motor and drive technologies and applications.

Launched in 2010, DriveAcademy training courses cover a wide range of topics, including project planning, and cover drive application, selection and usage, decentralised systems, maintenance and condition monitoring. Product-specific classes are also offered, providing insight into the implementation and operation of some of SEW-Eurodrive’s technologies, such as the company’s Movidrive ‘B’ application inverter, Movi-PLC PLC/motion controller and the Movitrac frequency inverter families. All courses are offered for a variety of end users, including drive engineers, service application engineers, operations managers and maintenance technicians.

According to SEW-Eurodrive Engineering Manager Frank Cerra, the DriveAcademy training courses undertaken last year provided attendees with a useful mix of theoretical and practical tuition. “From gearbox maintenance and repair to training on our electronics products, it seems that everyone who undertook these courses took away valuable information to use on an ongoing basis in their workplace,” he said.

Run by highly technical site-experienced training staff, DriveAcademy courses are conducted at SEW-Eurodrive’s Service Competence Centres located in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The combination of theory and hands-on practical segments adds to the learning experience at SEW’s DriveAcademy. “Standard courses are offered in small class sizes to ensure participants receive a high level of personal attention. Equipping attendees with specific knowledge relating to our motor and drive technologies means they are better able to leverage this functionality in their own work environment.”

The participants in 2010 ranged from large organisations to smaller boutique companies, but one thing seemed clear: “The organisations that took part seemed to understand that the knowledge DriveAcademy provides can really help their staff to improve their systems,” said Cerra.

The 2011 schedule begins with training on the company’s Movitrac ‘B’ series of frequency inverters in late February, followed by a decentralised drives course a week later and more to follow in the subsequent months. Explore the DriveAcademy course schedule or register for a training session via SEW-Eurodrive’s customer website, www.sew-eurodrive.com.au.