Bosch Security Systems Inc. trained nearly 8,500 customers in North America in 2012 through its Security and Communications Training Academy — achieving more than 30 percent growth in the number of course participants over the previous year.

 “Adoption of IP-based systems is growing rapidly — creating increased demand for training, said Jim Musshafen, director of sales operations, Bosch Security Systems. “With hands-on classroom style courses in locations around the country as well as elearning options, our training is very accessible. Many of our courses also provide continuing education units to help our customers maintain licensing requirements.”

 Bosch currently offers 24 online training courses, which can be taken in modules, on demand whenever it is most convenient for the customer. Topics range from general network basics to product certification. With this diverse elearning offering, Bosch enables customers to advance their knowledge and expertise without the expense of travel or time away from billable client activities. Thirteen of these courses offer continuing education units. Surveillance

 At seven training facilities spread throughout the U.S., Bosch also offers 16 in-depth classroom courses — delivered multiple times throughout the year. Covering various topics on video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, public address, radio dispatch and other communications equipment, classes focus on the installation, programming and troubleshooting of systems. Each course gives customers the information they need to design, install, and maintain dependable security and communications systems from Bosch.

 The company also offers a variety of brief video tutorials with product overview information as well as details on installation and programming.

 “Bosch has adopted a blended learning approach — delivering online training and technical videos in addition to classroom courses — as a result of the extensive feedback we’ve gathered from customers, said Sheree Usiatynski, training manager and technical support project manager, Bosch Security Systems, Inc. “We will produce even more videos and online training in 2013 as we continue to focus on expanding our support offerings.”  

 For more information on Bosch’s Security and Communications Training Academy and available courses and schedules, visit http://training.boschsecurity.us/.