The number of trainees who can be accommodated on one course will depend on the facilities,  venue and equipment available.    You need 1 dish and 2 receivers + TVs  for every 8 trainees to practice with.   The maximum number of trainees is about 30.

The length of a course in one language is 12 hours.  For 2 languages it is 16 - 18 hours. In situations where laypersons find it difficult to get away from their work, we could do 2-3 hours on a Saturday evening, and all day Sunday for at least 10-12 hours.

Note:  If Trainers are included in a course, allow 2-3 hours after the course for some tuition for trainers in training techniques.

Ideally key lay persons should be selected from each area,  who can give ongoing training and technical support in the area.    After training, any problems with equipment should be dealt with by those trained, who need to take this responsibility.  Young people and women are welcome!

Pastors should be trained ONLY where lay persons are not available.   Pastors could attend as "observers" in order to have some understanding of the problems and the needs.         

Persons should be identified and spoken with BEFORE the course who have the potential to become trainers for that area or organization, so that during the course they can focus on teaching techniques as well as technical content.

Characteristics to look for:

·           Ability to communicate in a simple manner (not too technical)
·           Training and experience in teaching methods
·           Patience with those who are slow to understand
·           Technical knowledge (he does not have to be an expert) 

4      Responsibilities of those trained

Training can be expensive and time-consuming.  Host organizations requesting training need to recognize that they must hold those trained responsible for the following tasks:

• Pre-installation site surveys
• Setting up new sites]
• Troubleshooting & simple maintenance, including changing components
• Training of local operators
• Annual inspections & maintenance
• Host organizations should recognize that once they have a group of technically trained person, they should not request ATN technical persons to travel to their area.

5      Course Manager

The Union / Conf satellite co-ordinator is usually the Host for the Course, but as he /she usually has many other duties, we strongly advise the appointment of a "course manager" at an early stage, who should be a lay person who does not have other responsibilities, so that he / she can focus on preparations for the course.  

Duties will include:

·                Communicating before the course with ATN Trainer about the venue, arrangements, equipment, etc.
·                Attending the entire course himself – must be present ALL THE TIME

·                Assist the trainer

·                Ensuring that the venue is opened and closed and facilities required made available as required

·                Ensuring that all the tools required are present and kept securely

·                Ensuring that the trainees know when to come

·                Be responsible for all the duties outlined under "Duties of Course  Manager", below

·                Arrange transport for the Trainer

[Note:  A more detailed document is available outlining the duties of the Course Manager, the Training Venue, Equipment and Tools needed]

It is possible that the Course Manager could also be the Translator

At least one dish antenna (preferably 2) mounted on a pole.   These should preferably be on the ground, or on a flat-roofed building, where the trainees can safely get up to stand around the dish, and work with it.  

7     Translator

8       Instructions to be given to trainees

•                 Plan to be present for the full duration of the course
•                 Bring any faulty receivers along to the course for checking
•                 Bring working receivers for practicing on.
•                 Bring small TVs for use with Receivers

It is the responsibility of the Satellite Co-ordinator for that Union / Conference / Mission to ensure that those trained are:

§       Helped to retain their skills  (“What you do not use, you lose”)

§       Called upon to assist when there are needs

§       Requested to install new downlink sites

The Satellite Co-ordinator should:

§       Appoint a leader from among those trained, who can call the trainees together at regular intervals (at least every 6 weeks) to refresh their skills by practice, maintenance work, new installations, etc.

§       Keep a list of those trained with their contact details

§       Assist the leader by providing materials, lending equipment, venues, etc.

For more details see separate document:  “Guide to ensure technical skills retained”

Unless this action is followed, the value of the training will soon be lost!

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10      Who carries the costs of such training?

All costs for venue, equipment, tools, materials and trainees (travel, food, accommodation)  to be carried by the Host organization , including the translation (if needed) and printing of a 50-page manual for each trainee.

Costs of the trainer carried by the host organization usually include accommodation and a percentage of the travel costs as negotiated.

Topics include the following:

§    Overview of what a satellite is and the technology used
§    What information is required for setting up a dish antenna in your city
§    8 Rules to locate the best position for your dish antenna
§    How to set up a pole for your dish antenna
§    Assembling dish (very briefly) and setting the LNB
§    How to set different types of  Receivers
§    Tuning the dish to the satellite
§    Quality checks for a good installation
§    Connecting up equipment
§    Overview and care of equipment

Additional topics include: (if required by host)

§    Video duplicating
§    Mini Media Centres
§    Using 24/7 programs for local TV broadcasting
§    Where satellite programs fit into the evangelistic program (4-phase strategy)
§    Planning aids for evangelistic programs
§    Where to obtain equipment

Requests should be directed to the Technical Information Co-ordinator, at the address given above, at least 6 weeks ahead of time, giving the number of trainees, dates and other details as suggested in this document.   

13      Training Materials available

Organizations wishing to conduct their own training will be supplied with the following on request:

·                Video, which guides trainees through a self-study course (being completed)

·                Installation Manual (50 pages)

·                Guidelines and suggested timing of  steps

·                PowerPoint presentations and handouts

·                Total number of downlink sites in your area

·                Total number of downlink sites not working

·                Number of new sites planned in next 12 months

·                Number of trainees booked for course

·                Type of electrical power plugs used (2 pin, 3 square pin, etc.)

·                Whether course needs to be translated or not.

15    Information to provide to the Trainer for the Course

·                Hotel recommended, phone / fax numbers and cost

·                Letter of invitation to facilitate visa, if applicable

·                Names and contact details of the managers for each course to ensure that the tools, equipment and training materials are available in good time.

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