The GEAPS-KSU Hands-On Training course will be held Dec. 3-5 at the IGP Institute on KSU’s Manhattan campus. Photos courtesy of GEAPS.
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) once again is partnering with Kansas State University (KSU) to offer in-person training at the IGP Institute on KSU’s Manhattan campus.
“Great things happen when we work together,” says GEAPS Executive Director John Caupert. “I’m extremely proud of the collaboration between GEAPS and KSU in offering our Hands-On Training (HOT) course. This is an opportunity to receive hands-on, applied training with actual equipment utilized throughout the grain handling and grain processing industries.”
Planned for Dec. 3-5, Hands-On Training for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment is open to not only GEAPS members but the industry at large.
GEAPS member Carlos Campabadal is an outreach specialist for IGP at KSU. He works with GEAPS to bring this course to our members and the greater industry.
“The information that is shared on this course comes from a combination of technical material and experience of the instructors which is invaluable. KSU is very happy to be able to partner with GEAPS to provide trainings that can help make the industry better,” says Campabadal.
The training provided in this course is aligned with the needs of many GEAPS members.
GEAPS Chairman Chuck Kunisch has seen employees from his company, Michigan Agricultural Commodities, benefit from this training in the past. “I do think this program is very useful to both GEAPS members and the grain industry. I am all for it,” remarks Kunisch.
About the Course
Participants will be able to learn from five presenters over the three-day course. Hands-On Training for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment will teach participants how to safely operate, maintain, and repair conveying equipment commonly used in grain facilities through instructor demonstrations and hands-on practice. The course will also provide practical information and guidelines on how to develop and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.
After successfully completing the course, learners will be able to install, operate, and inspect conveying equipment. They’ll also be able to troubleshoot problems and maintain the equipment, understand what could happen to grain quality if conveying equipment is used improperly, and apply and perform the best safety practices and procedures on conveying equipment.
“Learners in the program are immersed in a set of small-group, interactive learning experiences focused on five key areas: distributors, screw conveyors and bin sweeps, chain (drag) conveyors, belt conveyors, and bucket elevators,” notes Jim Lenz, GEAPS director of education and training. “The educational experiences gained from their time at the grain science complex can quickly be applied to support their teams and organizations.”
Learners who took the course last year report a positive experience.
Mike Ames is a maintenance supervisor for Michigan Agricultural Commodities. He took the course five years ago and came back for a refresher in 2023. It was more than worth his time, he says.
“It’s a very well-run program. It’s very thorough. It’s very informative. All the instructors are super nice. They take the time to listen to what you have to say. They’re gaining information from you about knowledge of your particular application,” he adds.
Oren Goetz is a project superintendent at Greenfield Contractors. He enrolled last year when their company was considering building new facilities.
“This was a great opportunity to come and learn some of the details of installing equipment and maintaining alignment and just the different things to look at is really great to work with some really good professionals and get some insight into important aspects of running this equipment,” explains Goetz.
Many people can benefit from this learning experience, including engineers, project managers, grain elevator operators, maintenance personnel, millwrights, and safety personnel, among others.
To get the most out of the in-person training, participants will complete three online modules before traveling to Kansas. This is included in the course fee.
Registration
Registration for the course is open. If you register before November 15, you’ll be able to attend for less. The course is $1,800 for GEAPS members and $2,000 for non-members who register before the early bird deadline. After that, GEAPS members will pay $1,900; non-members will pay $2,100.
In addition to training in Kansas and the online learning beforehand, learners will be provided lunches, break snacks, hard hats, ear plugs, goggles, course curriculum, binder, flash drive with relevant files, group photos, notebook, pens, tote bag, padfolios, IGP ball cap, certificate of completion, and folder.
Learners must wear and provide their own steel-toe boots; gloves are optional.
Space for this course is limited. Register today to ensure your spot, and take advantage of early bird pricing and to allow yourself time to complete the online modules.
We hope you will join GEAPS for this great training opportunity this year. However, if continuing harvest has you occupied at the beginning of December, this course will be offered again in the spring.
Lodging
A discounted hotel block has been arranged at the Courtyard Manhattan Aggieville for $119 per night. The last day to book lodging in the block is Nov. 25.
Learn More
For more information, visit geaps.com/conveyor-training. While you’re on the page, be sure to listen to episode 29 of GEAPS Whole Grain podcast for a recap of last year’s training, including insight from some participating instructors and learners.