Rain Bird Training Services will host more than 60 irrigation training events throughout the United States from October through May. These classes are open to irrigation professionals at all experience levels, including contractors, distributors, golf course superintendents, designers and architects. All Rain Bird training classes count toward continuing education units from the Irrigation Association (IA).
“The need for highly trained, knowledgeable irrigation professionals continues to grow,” said Paul Lierheimer, director of Rain Bird’s Contractor Division. “That’s why we’ve packed our training curriculum with a wide variety of courses. We want to help both new and experienced irrigation pros learn about the latest techniques and technology that can help homes, businesses, athletic fields, golf courses and parks use less water in the pursuit of healthy, attractive turf.”
Rain Bird Training Services offers three different tracks for irrigation professionals to enhance their skill sets, become better water managers and improve their career prospects:
1. Rain Bird Factory Trained classes provide comprehensive training on Rain Bird products and help attendees become experts on installing, managing and maintaining Rain Bird irrigation systems. By becoming Rain Bird Factory Trained, irrigation professionals can earn a specific designation.
Rain Bird Services will host 28 Factory Trained classes during the 2017-2018 training season. These classes span a wide range of topics, including drainage, low-volume irrigation, valves, residential controllers, commercial controllers (ESP-LX, central control systems (MAXICOM and IQ v3.0)) and decoders. Due to the hands-on nature of these classes, space is limited.
2. Rain Bird Academy classes provide industry-leading, general irrigation skills training on products from various manufacturers. This training track includes Rain Bird’s five popular Boot Camp classes, which are endorsed as “IA Select” courses by the Irrigation Association. Rain Bird’s Irrigation Boot Camp provides attendees with the basics of irrigation in one week, making it ideal for individuals who are new to the profession. Boot Camps will take place in numerous cities over the next six months.
Rain Bird Academy classes are also available to prepare individuals for the IA’s certification exams: Irrigation Technician, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor, Certified Irrigation Designer and Certified Irrigation Consultant.
3. Rain Bird customized training was designed for medium- and large-sized irrigation contractors, public agencies and irrigation distributors. Rain Bird’s trained instructors will travel to your location and provide training on only the products you use.
“We realize that sending a large group off-site for irrigation training can be cost prohibitive and logistically difficult,” said John Sais, senior technical trainer for Rain Bird Services. “Our customized, on-site training can be much more affordable, and it allows larger organizations to train employees with varying skill levels on products and practices that are completely relevant to their specific needs.”
Additionally, Rain Bird Services will host two Professional Irrigation Training Camps (PITC). These week-long events include Factory Trained, Boot Camp and Golf training tracks, giving attendees the flexibility to register for those courses that best meet their needs. The first PITC will take place in Las Vegas Dec. 11-15, and the second will take place in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 12-16.
“We’ve been training irrigation professionals since 2003,” said Robert Pfeil, marketing group manager for Rain Bird Services. “Over the years, we’ve been able to gain valuable feedback and enhance our class offering to ensure we’re teaching attendees the skills they need to be truly competitive in this industry. We’re constantly researching new products, technologies and techniques so that we can provide the most relevant, up-to-date irrigation training that helps individuals, businesses and organizations achieve new levels of success.”
