Ok, yes, if you don't make mistakes you should be fine. I just think it is asking a lot for a new tech to do an event alone and make no mistakes or oversights.
I've seen 3 different groups of new techs out of the course now, and have been a go-to person for a few new techs prior to becoming an instructor. From this experience, I would say a few things:
- the most important thing is being able to recognize when you don't know something, and asking for advice. This is advice I give to every single tech - never make something up, never settle for good enough. If you can't get the solution right then, then follow up ASAP and explain to the parent exactly what it is you're looking at - make a recommendation that will avoid the difficulty if possible.
- know your weak points - if you struggled with knowing when to use a locking clip, review it beforehand. If you feel that you're great with rf'ing seats but not confident on ff'ing seats, review that section. Etc
- I have seen some new techs that really struggle with the hands on aspect, and I've seen others that are pros right from the start. I've seen people in class who seem like they have a good grip on everything, and then it comes to the clinic and there are issues that appear.
- how good a tech is right from the start does seem to be related to prior experience. People from c-s.org or who are passionate about child safety for whatever reason have different skill-sets and mind-sets than people who are there for work. Somebody who has kids is most likely going to be better at judging strap height than somebody who has never buckled a child in to a carseat a single time.
So really, I think as long as you have a couple go-to people that you can reach in a hurry if need be, you'll be ok. You have your own seats, and prior experience before taking the course. Review what you struggled with, and take your time. Be methodical. Don't rush. And perhaps most importantly, don't get caught up in small technical details and fall in to the trap of giving too much info to the parent. Get the basics right - tight install, correct belt path, locked belt if it's a seat belt installation, correct routing of tether with a ff'ing seat, harness height and tightness - that kind of thing.
If you'd like to email me I'm happy to provide my cell number as well for a contact person - I'm usually fast to respond to text messages too, so between Nicole and I you're pretty much guaranteed to get one of us. If needed I can always call you from my home phone because I have free long distance. :thumbsup: ( mommy0406 AT gmail Dot com is my email address)