For the first time ever in the history of partnership between “AutoKrAZ” and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine volunteer recruits of combat equipment centre received training in driving at the automobile plant. The training lasted for almost a month, on its completion trainees obtained appropriate certificates.
Classroom training was held in the company’s Training Centre provided with state-of-the-art equipment, in the classroom equipped with cut away units and in the Test Centre. Practical training program included mostly driving on and off road for long distance to rural parts of regions sharing borders with Poltava region. Skilled KrAZ instructors taught army men to operate, maintain and repair the KrAZ-6322 (6х6) and the KrAZ-5233 (4х4) vehicles provided with alternative power plant in compliance with program established for this purpose. The program also included training in daily maintenance, M-1000, M-1/2, troubleshooting of vehicle, engine, transfer case, driving axles and other control units and systems. Particular attention was paid to current repair, removal/refitting of powertrain, transmission, engine, removal, disassembly, defect identification and refitting of transfer case, driving axles, suspension, steering, etc.
After the military men obtained certificates verifying successful completion of training they thanked for its high level and quality. They highly praised state-of-the-art equipment available in the Training Centre, unique simulators and teaching aids, high professionalism of the company’s instructors and said that such training is a big boost for drivers operating KrAZ vehicles in service with the army. Before putting us in the driving seat of KrAZ vehicle they ask us if we have skills in driving KrAZ truck. But nobody says that these are the KrAZ 256, 6510, 255 or 260 vehicles, in other words old generation models. New vehicles are different: more complicated to drive, those with alternative units and systems are quite unknown. Training will enable us to share our knowledge with our colleagues and prevent failures of KrAZ vehicles caused by lack of necessary skills in operation and maintenance. It would be a good idea to make this practice regular to enable drivers and mechanics of different military units to receive training directly at manufacturer’s facilities; moreover, KrAZ has everything that is required for that”.
It should be noted that all foreign trade contracts include compulsory special trainings for drivers and mechanics at “AutoKrAZ” with issue of appropriate certificates. Such a practice enabled the company to prevent getting claims from foreign customers due to improper use and maintenance of KrAZ vehicles. We hope that this practice will catch on with Ukrainian customers.
