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I was just wondering what you all think of NAPBIRT? Are any of you members? Is it worthwhile or not really? I've known some people who swear by the org, and others who think it's a waste of time and money. Just figured I'd see what you all think.

I've never felt compelled to join, so not being a member I don't know much about it. Not knowing much about it defines me as ignorant, so I can't possibly know whether or not it's a waste of money and time. I believe Allied Supply has a little rule about if you don't have a business license they won't sell to you unless you're a member of that, so maybe some people join to buy stuff from Allied Supply.

Allied no longer accepts NAPBIRT membership as a qualification for purchasing from them. Everyone has to now provide a tax ID. The gubment stirred the pot and Allied ended accepting NAPBIRT membership.

Some years back, I worked part time for a place that wanted everyone to be NAPBIRT members. They paid for the costs, so I was “enrolled.” The guy that ran the place sells tools and provides services to other shops, so it made sense. I’m not entirely sure of NAPBIRT’s overall purpose other than networking. I never went to their meet ups, regional or national. Looking at the offerings at these functions, it seemed to be the same folks presenting and the same topics presented all the time. I was involved as a presenter once (locally) and that was my total involvement. This is no criticism, but I didn’t feel the need to travel to attend and always stayed home. When I quit that job, I stayed a member, at least for a while. I think I’m still a member, but I would have to ask my wife, the “check writer” in the family! NAPBIRT no longer publishes a journal, etc., so they don’t show up here. I haven’t been an employee anywhere since, so I can’t say if there’s any benefit if you’re looking to work in the repair industry or move jobs. It never benefited me. I would suspect it would depend on which side of the fence, yay or nay, the employer belongs.

I've had minimal experience with NAPBIRT, but did attend a very well-run week-long lathe course in Illinois, and their last convention in Denton, where there were very informative clinics on a variety of topics. And of course, networking is a very real thing too, often helpful in a particular field.

I have been a member for eleven years and find the association a benefit to us and customers. They do publish a monthly digital journal, "Technicom," and it is often a good source of technician experience and inspiration to try new things. Techs aren't always able to attend a national conference, much like ITECs, and one and two-day regional meetings are held covering a variety of topics. Classes are held at the Training Center in Normal, IL throughout the year that offer in-depth training to better equip us in the field.

One must be a tech in training at one of the accredited institutions, an apprentice, or already employed by a repair shop to become a member. One may also be recommended by another member (vouched for) to gain membership.

The NAPBIRT website offers a technician finder for Joe Public to find a tech near them.

Is it for every technician? Maybe not, but I have found membership to be beneficial to me and my fellow techs at BRM.

Yep, still a member of NAPBIRT. I remembered to check when I found a box with a big stack of their “Technicom” journals.

Precisely why I don’t use emojis. I have no idea what that is supposed to represent.

MiBrassFS wrote: ↑Mon Aug 05, 2024 6:57 am Precisely why I don’t use emojis. I have no idea what that is supposed to represent.

Nap, Bert. Not a response to anyone except the name of the organization!

Of course, Bert! Nap. Bert. I’m a bit sad to say our Sesame Street days are long behind us here and his face didn’t ring a bell. Enjoy them while they last!

When my son was 11 years old, he told me that Bert and Ernie were a couple of celibate gays.