Finally got an opportunity to sit in on one of the Fastener Training Institute’s webinars on October 31. It was the Structural Bolting Seminar conducted by Carmen Vertullo. I have had the pleasure of attending other classes conducted by Carmen and this webinar was equally enjoyable. Carmen has a way of discussing technically sophisticated fastener information in a down to earth way that makes you feel like you are learning from a neighborhood buddy instead of a college professor. And to me, that is an excellent thing.
The webinar covered a lot of different areas from the very simple to more sophisticated topics. Carmen used the IFI catalog (which you can see and follow on your computer screen) to cover ASTM specs, and also discussed things like “K Factor” and torque vs. tension as an indicator or measurement. He had live camera shots that he could share and did so when demonstrating how to use a Wilson Skidmore Bolt Tension Calibrator. But what I really enjoyed was the inclusion of useful information for people who SELL structural bolts, not just technical information for people who measure or specify them. One slide had the heading, “What makes a good supplier?” and it covered many of the questions that can come up when a distributor is selling structural bolts to an end user. There was even some information on the best way to handle structural bolts on a worksite.
I’m not going to write an entire review of the webinar. Rather, I would like to tell you that it was a well run, hour and 15 minute class with questions afterwards. Questions could be submitted right there on the webinar site as Carmen was teaching. You just type in the question and send it in and then after the presentation Carmen responded to the questions that came in.
I’m not completely sure if the FTI offers a subscription to the webinar series or if they are each independent, stand alone sessions. If I was a distributor with even a small number of younger employees, I would try to make room in your schedule to have these young people sit in on these monthly webinars. I truly think the cost and time commitment would be well worth the investment.
TS –
Thanks for this post. The Fastener Training Institute is on the right track with its new web-based training program. They have a vision in place, a solid team of advocates, and there seems to be a growing awareness of the importance of training in the industry.
With the help of John Wachman, Jo Morris, and other FTI board members, we were proud and fortunate to award a scholarship to the Fastener Training Week this year during the Vegas fastener show. In a very classy and generous gesture, the FTI awarded vouchers to the new webinar program to everyone who submitted an essay to the scholarship contest.
I was also glad to learn that FTI considered this to the be “the first annual Fully Threaded Radio / Fastener Training Institute Scholarship award”. It’s our honor to be able to participate.
Keep up the good work.
Eric