ERIE is already recognized as an industry leader when it comes to service. To build on this long tradition, ERIE invested in a state-of-the-art building known as the Technical Learning Center.
The building, which officially opens today, will allow Agents, claims adjusters, underwriters and risk control specialists to gain important hands-on training related to various aspects of their jobs.
The Property Lab
The Property Lab includes a full-scale model of a house—yet it is no ordinary house.
For starters, everything from the siding to the flooring to the fixtures is composed of different materials commonly found in homes. So there’s siding that morphs from vinyl to wood to stone and a roof that accommodates asphalt shingles, terra cotta and slate on a single plane.
The goal of the multifaceted house is to expose students to the many types of home building materials they may encounter on the job.
The Material Damage Lab
This fully functional auto shop includes a variety of automobile lifts, high-tech frame machines, an alignment machine, a vehicle turntable, a paint booth and a vehicle prep station. The lab gives students a better understanding of how damaged vehicles are restored to their pre-loss condition. Students can also inspect and create estimates on several total loss cars.
A green building
The Technical Learning Center meets many of the highest standards for an environmentally minded design, construction and operation, including:
- Water savings from low-flow plumbing and irrigation.
- Energy-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
- The use of building materials with a high composition of recycled materials.
- Curricula that highlight the importance of using sustainable materials and techniques.
The Technical Learning Center is under consideration for a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This certification from the U.S. Green Building Council recognizes buildings that demonstrate a high level of sustainable building practices.
What it means for ERIE Customers
Within the insurance industry, the building and the highly specialized training offered within it are truly leading edge. The Technical Learning Center gives students hands-on opportunities to examine and write estimates. It also exposes them to the latest trends with the home, auto and insurance industries. These hands-on experiences will ultimately help them develop accurate estimates and provide better service to all ERIE Customers.
Read the full story from Erie Insurance: “Slideshow: ERIE Debuts New Technical Learning Center“