Electrical Distributors Education and Training

Getting ahead of the competition with training and education for electrical distributors

By Kim Finn

Take advantage of the many training and education opportunities available for electrical distributors to remain successful and grow even stronger. Electrical wholesalers, electrical product distributors and those in other channels of distribution will make more sales when they know more about the products they sell and more about electrical principles, components and equipment used by their customers.

As a critical link between electrical product manufacturers and end users of the products, electrical distributors must possess a wide range of knowledge and skills allowing them to provide technical assistance, trouble shooting and other valuable services to customers. Keep in mind the four primary types of education and training:

1. Continuing education and certificate programs for electrical distributors.

2. Product and industry training presented by the manufacturers for electrical product distributors.

3. Degrees for those in the industrial or commercial electrical distributor industry.

4. Trade shows and conferences for electrical wholesale distributors and retail distributors.

Learn about different sources for continuing education and certification for electrical distributors

Electrical equipment distributors, electrical supply distributors and others within the electrical distribution industry can find ample opportunities for continuing education credits, certification programs and professional development.
Try: Make the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) the first stop in your search for electrical distributors education and training. This not-for-profit trade organization places a tremendous emphasis on education and training, as evidenced by its creation of the NAED Education & Research Foundation and the NAED Learning Center (NLC). While checking out the NAED's offerings, consider registering for the Certified Sales Professional Program and/or earning continuing education units (CEUs) towards a Professional Certificate in Industrial Distribution from Purdue University by participating in the NAED's University of Industrial Distribution (UID). Visit the website of The Gerry Thomas Co., a manufacturers' representative firm dedicated to the electrical power distribution market. As an industrial or commercial electrical distributor, contact the company to learn more about the training programs that can benefit you and your business. From Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine's newsletter E-Train, you can take advantage of programs and workshops dealing with electrical equipment and electric power distribution.

Go to electrical equipment and supply manufacturers for training/education on their products

Many manufacturers of industrial or commercial electrical supplies hold training and education sessions to make electric distributors and retail or commercial electrical suppliers more knowledgeable about their products.
Try: Learn more about GE's commercial and industrial electrical supplies through its different programs designed to educate electrical distributors. GE offers several levels of its course for commercial/industrial electric distributors in addition to many other courses/programs dealing with lighting fundamentals/concepts and sales. Lutron, a long-time manufacturer of lighting controls, offers online learning modules for retail and wholesale electrical distributors that educate users on the basics of Lutron's products. Electric wholesalers and retailers can choose from modules focusing on different aspects of dimming, colors, merchandising and wallboxes.

Build credibility as an industrial-commercial electrical distributor with a degree

A solid background in electrical engineering will better help you understand the products you buy and sell, and you'll develop a loyal customer base that relies on you and your expertise.
Try: Start your search for an Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science Degree or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline by checking out the schools listed in World Wide Learn and Degrees Online.

Attend tradeshows targeted to an industrial or commercial electrical distributor

Tradeshows and conferences provide an exciting and informal way to learn about the latest trends and products and develop important networking contacts.
Try: Besides conducting training programs, the Industrial Training University serves as an excellent source for upcoming tradeshows. For another source of tradeshow/conference information for the electrical distribution industry, review The Electrical Distributor Magazine (TED) event calendar.

Check the accreditation of any school before investing in an online degree or certificate program beneficial to electrical distributors.