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WORLD FENCE NEWS • JANUARY 2014 • Encon tech Tim Nordstrom instructs at 7th annual AFA Operator Installer School Encon Electronics training director Tim Nordstrom participated as an instructor at the American Fence Association's 7th annual Operator Installer School (OIS) on October 28-November 1, 2013. Forty-two people attended the week-long training event held at the Atrium Hotel in Dallas. "The purpose of the school is to introduce automatic gates to individuals who have limited experience and to provide more extensive training for those who have been in the industry for years. The caliber of classes and the hands-on instruction Tim Nordstrom caters to a wide range of experience," Nordstrom said. In the beginning of the week, attendees were divided into five groups of eight to nine students. Each group was given a different colored hat. Participants were expected to travel to each training class together with their designated group. The school covers a variety of topics, including UL 325 and ASTM F2200 gate safety standards, first aid, installation of operators, telephone entry systems and vehicle detection loops, electricity, accessories and types of gates and gate operators. Nordstrom was responsible for providing training for the "Accessories 1" class. This was a three-hour class that highlighted the various accessories for automatic gates and the installation guidelines for these products. Participants benefited from the lecture portion and the hands-on technical nature of the class. AFA offers this intensive, oneweek course for both novice and experienced operator installers once a year. Students may choose to take the rigorous Certified Automated Gate Operator Installer (CAGOI) exam at the conclusion of the school. According to Nordstrom, "The week-long school completely prepares the student for the exam and the probability of passing the exam is much higher for students who attend the OIS." Plus, completion of OIS counts for six months of credit towards the experience requirement. Encon Electronics is always an advocate of training and education in the industry, as evidenced by sending one of their veteran technicians to participate in the AFA sponsored OIS. Nordstrom is one of Encon's most experienced employees with over 25 years in the industry. He has participated as an instructor at the OIS for several years and has provided training reviews for multiple CAGOI exams hosted by Encon Electronics. For one-on-one training with Nordstrom or any of Encon's 10 technicians, call 800-782-5598. Encon is a wholesale distributor to authorized installation companies in the access control industry. The firm offers products from over 60 leading manufacturers. Visit the Encon Electronics web site www.enconelectronics.com for further information on the company and its product offerings. 27