NATM Academy Unveils Inaugural Courses

As one of the pillars of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), education emerges as a cornerstone for industry progress and success. The NATM Academy, envisioned as a beacon of continuous learning, stands poised to redefine education within the trailer industry. With a vision to empower every trailer industry professional with access to education, the NATM Academy is primed to shape a competitive and safer national landscape.

After the announcement of the NATM Academy at the 2024 Convention in Las Vegas, there has been much anticipation and enthusiasm for its launch. NATM is proud to unveil that the NATM Academy’s inaugural curriculum will feature five different series of courses, each tailored to the diverse needs of professionals within the trailer industry. A total of 14 courses will be available at the launch, each crafted to deliver actionable insights and practical knowledge that can be directly applied to the workplace. Furthermore, NATM is excited to share that additional courses are currently in development, poised to further enrich educational offerings in the coming months.

1. Human Resource Series

This series equips professionals with essential HR skills, covering topics such as talent acquisition and retention, sexual harassment training, and overall foundational human resource practices.

2. Leadership Series

Focused on cultivating leadership excellence, this series will discuss topics such as motivating teams, managing customer service departments, and effectively resolving conflicts in the workplace.

3. Marketing and Sales Series

Tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their marketing and sales acumen, this series explores topics like the art of prospecting, how to handle objections, fundamentals of product marketing, and strategies for leveraging social media in marketing efforts.

4. Safety Series

Prioritizing workplace safety, this series addresses OSHA's top workplace hazards, welding safety protocols, and other critical safety measures vital for ensuring a secure work environment.

5. Trailer Technician Series

Geared towards technical proficiency, this series covers foundational topics such as an introduction to NATM, mastering the basics of trailer technician skills, and an essential glossary of trailer terms.

Each course series is curated to provide comprehensive insights and practical knowledge tailored to the unique needs of all industry professionals. Whether you are a manufacturer, dealer, supplier, or service provider, there will be a course that can help address your business needs. Investing in a trained team of professionals is a strategic decision that will yield invaluable returns.

The NATM Academy has been built with guidance from industry leaders, including Daniel Luby from BoatMate Trailers, Willie Bauer from Car Mate Trailers, Andy Derr from M.H. Eby, and Nathan Uphus from Felling Trailers. This roundtable of leaders, along with NATM’s Education and Technical Committees, will ensure that the NATM Academy curriculum remains relevant, practical, and aligned with the evolving needs of the trailer industry.

Looking ahead, it is essential to emphasize that these courses are merely the first of many. NATM is unwavering in its commitment to providing meaningful educational programming that enriches both members and the trailer industry at large. With several more courses already in the pipeline, these offerings represent just the beginning of a future where the NATM Academy emerges as the premier source for trailer industry education for years to come.

Stay Tuned for Updates on NATM Academy Developments

If you have any questions about the upcoming launch, please reach out to NATM’s Education Director Ginger Baker Sanhueza at ginger.bakersanhueza@natm.com.