The Power of Education

Sonepar Lighting Academy Sets a High Standard in Industry Training

By Randy Reid

Throughout my long career in lighting, one of my keys to success has always been education. I immersed myself in learning everything from the mercury lay-down in fluorescent lamps to the purpose of the “getter” in HID lamps. My expertise even extended to recognizing HID lamp wattages from an end-user floor.

When I first started, there was no PowerPoint; I learned an ancient software called Harvard Graphics. I was one of the few rookies at GE who knew the software, and district managers from around the country would fax hand-drawn slides to me. I would create the presentation in Harvard Graphics and FedEx the 5¼" disk to a Kodak dealer. A few days later, the manager would receive Kodachrome 35mm slides directly from the dealer, and I was a hero!

My technical knowledge helped me stand out. I used that knowledge to train electrical distributors and contractors on lamp sales—and Harvard Graphics. I became the Harvard Graphics expert to electrical distributors in Tallahassee. I would create the slides for branch managers if they allowed me to train their teams on GE Lamps.

When I started LumEfficient in 2017, my small industrial lighting company, I trained as many agents, distributors, and lighting maintenance contractors as possible on how to upsell LED luminaires to replace HID—and it worked.

I haven’t done any training since COVID, and that's why it did my heart good when I received the invite to speak at the Sonepar Lighting Academy held in Nashville last month. Sonepar has developed its own lighting training and development program aimed at growing its ranks of highly trained lighting associates across all operating companies within Sonepar USA.

The Sonepar Lighting Academy consists of numerous modules that provide a continuum of content, starting with lighting fundamentals and expanding into further aspects of the lighting business. Each module lasts approximately five to six months and is delivered mostly through live instruction. Module 1, Lighting Basics, uses the IES Intro to Lighting online class as the starting point and includes an in-person class on lighting fundamentals. Module 2, developed by the Lighting Agora team, goes a step further with a more advanced, intensive deep dive into the actual “doing” of lighting, including sales and projects. After successfully completing Module 2, associates are well-positioned to transition into more specific and advanced lighting roles.

Not only is Sonepar training their own associates, but they are also making huge investments in the industry. Last July, Sonepar pledged $500,000 to NAED to advance education and training. Earlier this year, they joined IES as a Champion Level sustaining member company. They are one of only four champion members.

Sonepar's commitment to education and training exemplifies the company's dedication to advancing the lighting industry. By investing in their associates and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Sonepar is not only enhancing the skills of their workforce but also driving innovation and excellence in the field. Their significant contributions to industry organizations like NAED and IES further highlight their leadership and vision. As we look towards the future, it is clear that Sonepar's efforts in education will continue to shape and elevate the lighting industry for years to come.