DES PLAINES, Ill. - Motor Coach Industries has announced its certified technician training program for 2005.

The MCI program provides instruction in six broad areas designed to help technicians improve their skills in maintaining MCI coaches. Courses are offered for D, E, G and J models.

Subjects include basic or advanced instruction in electrical, HVAC, air brakes and ABS, steering and suspension and engine and transmission systems.

MCI says that basic instruction is primarily for technicians who are new to maintaining its coaches or to orient maintenance staff when a new or different model coach is added to the company fleet.

Basic courses also may benefit mechanically inclined drivers, driver trainers or operations staff.

Advanced instruction is designed for seasoned professionals who want to strengthen their skills in the latest coach technology.

The six skill areas in which training is available are:

· Electrical Systems Certification Training
· HVAC Systems Certification Training
· Air, Brakes & ABS Systems Certification Training
· Steering & Suspension Systems Certification Training
· Engine & Transmission Systems Certification Training
· Preventative Maintenance Certification Training

For complete course descriptions and dates, go to www.mcicoach.net, click on Parts/Service/Support, click on Technical Services and scroll down to the training schedule link.

MCI courses are offered throughout the year at MCI Fleet Support service centers in Blackwood, N.J., near Philadelphia; Des Plaines, Ill., in suburban Chicago; Orlando, Fla.; Dallas; Loudonville, Ohio, and Los Alamitos, Calif., near Los Angeles. Onsite course instruction also is available.

For onsite training, e-mail the MCI training department, or call Steve Kiner at (800) 241-2947 or (701) 825-5227.