Convergence Training

New 3D Driver Safety Courses Released

2010-02-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Our Driver Safety training courses are now available for purchase via our online safety training store. We're really excited to add these courses to our library because it represents a new set of topics for us and a chance to really show off our 3D graphics and animation skills. To check out some video samples, visit our Driver Safety YouTube playlist.

Industries and Uses
These modules would be great for companies that employ delivery drivers, mobile technicians, on-site service reps, or any other mobile employees. The courses show a variety of vehicles including cars, SUV's, and vans, and provide very concise information without all the fluff, bad acting, and 1980s clothes of some of the other videos.

The courses in our 3-DVD set include:

Driving Preparation
This module focuses on preparing to drive safely and includes the basics of vehicle maintenance and inspection, suggestions for planning your route, emergency supplies, securing cargo, seat belts, and cell phones.

Alert Driving
This module focuses on the importance of alert driving and discusses driving while impaired, avoiding distractions, scanning the road, things to look for, increasing reaction time, and the two-second rule.

Driving Hazard Recognition
This module discusses recognizing and avoiding driving hazards related to intersections, blind spots, limited visibility, losing traction, erratic drivers, and pedestrians, animals, and parked vehicles.

Delivery Formats
As always, these courses will be available on DVD, as computer-based training through Convergence Training Viewer, as Pay-Per-View, and even licensable SCORM courses in our LMS or yours.

More Info
Fill out the form below if you have questions or would like more information about purchasing any of our driver safety training.

Freebie: Ergonomics Image

2010-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

We recently took a few renders from our Ergonomics course and put them together into a single clipart style image. The safety graphics show proper lifting techniques, and also shows the difference between good and bad seated positions. We are offering the image for you to use on your website, on your blog, in your safety meetings, or anything else, royalty free. The only thing we ask is that we ask that our logo remains apparent on the image.

Click on the image below to see it full size, and then you can right-click and save the image.

Hexavalent Chromium and Combustible Dust - New Courses from Convergence Training

2010-01-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Convergence Training production team is hard at work on several new courses for Environmental, Health, and Safety training.

Hexavalent Chromium

First to hit the shelves will be our new Hexavalent Chromium course. The module is based on OSHA's 1910.1026 standard for General Industry and 1926.1126 standard for the Construction Industry, and presents information on:

• What hexavalent chromium is
• How it's formed
• Health hazards of hexavalent chromium
• Risks and controls during welding operations
• OSHA exposure levels (AL and PEL)
• Exposure monitoring and record keeping
• Employee notification
• Engineering and work practice controls
• Respirators and PPE
• Medical surveillance

Combustible Dusts

Next in the pipeline will be our new course on Combustible Dusts. The course is based on OSHA's "Status Report on Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program" and "Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts" and presents information on:

• The hazards of combustible dusts
• The Dust Fire and Explosion Pentagon
• Controls to reduce the risk of combustible dust explosions
• Facility dust analyses to prevent dust explosions
• Primary and secondary combustible dust explosions

Both training courses are being produced in the style you've come to expert from Convergence, with state-of-the-art 3-D animations, narrated scripts that viewers can listen to and read along with, and a test bank of interactive, randomized questions.

Visit the Health and Safety section of our site from time to time or fill out the form below to see when each of these new training courses are available.

Promo Video for MSHA Training on YouTube

2010-01-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

Do you need MSHA training?
Do you need a Part 46 DVD?
Do you need MSHA taining on your computer?
Do you need miner training for your organization for many sites?

If the answer to any of those questions is, YES, then we can help!

Check out our new video to get an idea of the features that our line of surface miner training has to offer. And remember, we can deliver it HOWEVER you need it!

Get MSHA Training at World of Concrete 2010

2010-01-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Come visit Convergence Training at the 2010 world of concrete show in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 2nd through the 5th. We’ll be exhibiting in the North Hall at booth #N664 with our friends from TruckTrax. Stop by to learn more about the benefits of our Surface Miner Training products and to take advantage of discount pricing for World of Concrete!

While Convergence also produces a broad range of Environmental Health and Safety training courses, the focus of the team at the World of Concrete will be to showcase Convergence’s innovative and award-winning line of MSHA Training.

The Surface Miner Training line of products includes the Basic DVD set, the Standard desktop software, the Advanced desktop software with compliance tools, and the newly released Enterprise Internet-based system for larger organizations with multiple locations.

The World of Concrete is a massive annual international event that brings together companies involved in the concrete and masonry construction industries. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Convergence Training 2009 Summary of Accomplishments

2010-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Now that 2009 is over and 2010 is already flying by, I wanted to post some of the notable events from our year of hard work.

Convergence has dedicated a serious effort to increasing our web presence. This included the launching of several key websites:

Some of our hard work was recognized this year when we were presented with the following awards:

Department of Labor – Mine Safety and Health – Surface Miner Training
Brandon Hall Research – Best Innovation in Learning Technology (Bronze) – Convergence Training Viewer

In order to meet rising demand and workloads, we've added a lot of new members to our team including:

Scott Rise - Product Sales
Zach Ellwood - Information Designer
Caleb Tilton - Media Designer
Mike Reese - Media Designer
Chris Dunable - Media Designer
Jason Raines - Media Designer
Dustin Langley - Media Designer
Bobby Morin - Media Designer
Art Condelles - Media Designer
Nick Della Valle - Technical Assistant

Some of our other accomplishments include:

Added over 100 new customers including Cummins, Hitachi, General Mills, Pfizer, Rubbermaid, UCLA, and the US Army
Development of Convergence Reseller Program and signed agreements with 8 new resellers
Development of 3D virtual mill for development of fundamentals modules for pulp and paper industry – Click here for a preview video
Begin development of our new Enterprise version of Convergence Server (Convergence Server 2010 available next spring)

Defensive Driving Course Samples Now On YouTube

2010-01-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

While our safe and defensive driving course is going through an internal review before being ready for the public, I've published some sneak previews to a special YouTube playlist.

The playlist has samples for Blind Spots, the 2 Second Rule, and Emergency Supplies.

Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=380A119BFD3219B2

These defensive driving courses will soon be available on our website at www.BuyBetterTraining.com.

Convergence Training Content Development Experts Looking to Complete US Tour

2009-12-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

In the final half of 2009, Convergence Training's team of computer-based training content development experts have visited locations and created site-specific, custom training content for customers in the:

Northwest (Washington and Oregon)
Midwest (Wisconsin)
Northeast (Pennsylvania)
Southeast (Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas)

Our content development team, including engineers, writers, instructional designers, and photographers, would love to "hit for the cycle" and finish their tour of the U.S. this year by creating our 3-D, animated training content for a customer based in the Southwest. Any takers?

It's been a busy year for the content development team. We've created custom, computer-based training content on the following topics:

Converting equipment
Finishing
Boilers
Paper machines
Wrappers
Log saws
Board machines
Tissue QA devices
Contractor and site-visitor orientation training
Environmental, health and safety
Chemical process safety

Convergence Training is excited that demand for our custom training materials has been so high, and we look forward to some already-scheduled trips to begin making new materials for more customers. For those readers in the Southwest, now's your chance to join in the fun!

Convergence Training Installs Convergence Server Learning Management System (LMS) Throughout U.S.

2009-12-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

In recent months, Convergence Training has installed the Convergence Server Learning Management System (LMS) for new customers located throughout the United States. New Convergence LMS customers include three locations in the "Keystone State" of Pennsylvania, one in the "Yellowhammer State" of Alabama, one in the "Bayou State" of Louisiana, and one in the "Golden State" of California.

Our new Learning Management System customers report great satisfaction with the Server LMS, often citing its flexibility, intuitive design, and ease of use. They note that installation is fast and appreciate the two-day, onsite training sessions that come with each new LMS delivery.

Our customers are not the only ones who have enjoyed the LMS installations. Convergence personnel have enjoyed hitting the road to meet our customers face-to-face and learn more about their computer-based training (CBT) needs. We've also appreciated the warm hospitality, good weather, tasty regional food, and opportunity to learn state nicknames!

If you're looking for a Learning Management System specifically designed for the industrial, manufacturing, or pulp and paper industries that will deliver, track, and report on your computer-based training, contact Convergence today. We can install the LMS remotely or come to your location to do it. All LMS installations come with two-day, face-to-face training sessions at your location to ensure that you'll be using the LMS quickly and easily.

Click here to request a free online demonstration

Convergence Training Fixes Kenyan Borehole, Provides Water to Mogoon Village

2009-11-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Tragedy Strikes

In February of 2009 in the Mogoon Village in Kenya, tragedy struck. Their water source, the "borehole" as they call it, had broken down and there was very little hope of raising the money required to fix it. With one of the longest standing droughts in Kenya, the community struggled to hang on for life; schools closed, 2 seasons of crops didn’t produce, disease infiltrated and consequently both animals and people passed away. Without affordable access to water, many fell ill to dehydration, cholera and didn’t have the immunity to fend off malaria. In other words this was a major health risk to hundreds of people in the region.

Convergence Training Gives Thanks at Thanksgiving

Back in the United States, Randy Kohltfarber of Convergence Training, is enjoying the luxury of an early morning water ski session. In a ski boat, surrounded by gallons and gallons of water, he sits with his skiing partners Kara Anderson and Dr. Gerri Fujii. Kara recalls her recent trip to the Nakuru Orphanage in Kenya where she was a volunteer worker. When Randy hears about the tragic broken water supply, he decides to offer support and pay for the water source to be repaired.

Click the link below to read the full story about the interwoven lives of people across the globe and how Convergence Training sponsored the repair of the Kenyan village's water supply.

Read the full story here

See the PowerPoint with photos and details

Click here to visit LifeWater.org

Convergence Training Hires New Information Designer and Technical Writer

2009-11-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

We would like to welcome Zach Ellwood to the Convergence Training team.

Zach's background is primarily pre-production and writing, beginning with his degree in Video/Film Production from the Savannah College of Art and Design. His professional experience includes commercial and industrial video preproduction, documentary work, Hollywood film set experience, copywriting, and literary editing. Zachary's diverse communication skills make him a valuable member in writing and producing Convergence projects.

Zach is from the state of Maryland, and he has lived in Savannah, Georgia, and Albuquerque, New Mexico and now lives in Portland, Oregon (his favorite region so far). When he's not working, Zach enjoys writing fiction and camping in the Northwest.

Convergence Training Featured in Local Newspaper

2009-11-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

A local newspaper, The Columbian based in Vancouver, Washington, has featured Convergence Training on the front page of their business section. The article is part of their weekly "Clark County at Work" feature and details how Convergence has dealt with the difficult economic times, what our greatest challenge has been, and what lies ahead in the next six to eight months. There is also information on what Convergence does and some statistics on our company.

The electronic version of the article can be found here: View Article

New Safety Training Store - BuyBetterTraining.com

2009-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it may be pretty bold, but we're making a statement: BuyBetterTraining.com. The name says it all.

What is BuyBetterTraining.com?

Its our new online store, redesigned from the ground up with new technology and a fresh new look! We've got new products, more screenshots, and lots of great new information! Not only does it look great, but the stuff under the hood is pretty cool too. Its faster, easier to search, filter and find products, and the checkout process is quick and painless.

What does the new store sell?

Just like our old store, we've got all the safety training essentials you need including our popular Bloodborne Pathogens, Fire Safety, and Asbestos Awareness. If you need more than a single topic, we have our 28 DVD Set full of environmental, health and safety training. We've also got our Surface Miner Training products (Basic, Standard, and Advanced) that provide training for MSHA Part 46. In addition to the core products, we've made room for the future. We've got categories all lined up for our Driver Safety courses and our Industrial Essentials library.

What about the old store?

Over the past year and a half, we've had a pretty steep increase in products, viewers, and customers, and we finally outgrew our ecommerce platform. In order to provide a better shopping experience and to better support our growing customer base, we have launched a new store at BuyBetterTraining.com. Our old site will continue to be operational until December 31st, 2009. You may shop and complete purchases at the old site, or give the new store a test drive (but please be patient while we work out all the kinks!).

Check it out!

We've been working hard to prove to everyone that they don't have to settle when it comes to training, and now our store stands out just like our products do. So, give it a test drive yourself and check out our new store now!

Convergence Launches Swine Flu (H1N1) Safety Site and Video

2009-10-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

With a shortage of Swine Flu Vaccines and President Barrack Obama's recent declaration of a national emergency, Convergence Training has developed our new H1N1 Flu/Swine Flu Awareness Video that's appropriate for nearly any audience

Director of Product Development here at Convergence Training, Randy Kohltfarber, explains that "Our goals for this new video are to provide information and tools that can help prevent the spread of the H1N1 Flu, reduce the potential social and economic impact on our country, and ultimately save lives."

Like our other safety training video products, this video uses our distinct visual style including 2D and 3D graphics and animation.

The Swine Flu Video is being offered for purchase and download in flexible, easily-sharable formats to encourage broad distribution of the training on our new website:

www.H1N1Video.com

Convergence Training Hires Again - Adds More Horsepower to Training Course Development

2009-10-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Convergence Training would like to welcome two new media designers to the team, Jason Raines and Chris Dunable. They will be helping us keep up with our growing workload of training projects.

Jason has several years of pulp and paper training experience in his media repertoire, and Chris brings a diverse and extensive 3D background to the media development team. Jason's Adobe Flash skills have already proven useful in helping with our Contractor Training projects. Chris has started work on our upcoming Defensive Driving courses.

Convergence Training Expands Safety Training Video Distribution with New Reseller Program

2009-10-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Convergence Training, a division of Capstone Technology Corporation, announces the launch of its new reseller program designed to expand distribution of safety training DVDs through relationships with established online retailers of safety training videos and safety products.

In January of 2009, after years of developing custom safety and operational training courses for international manufacturing clients, Convergence began actively marketing a line of commercial safety training DVDs and compliance software. Less than a year after opening its online store, Convergence is now extending its distribution strategy to established online safety resellers to meet increased demand for their unique training products.

Now, even as the U.S. economy struggles and unemployment remains high, Convergence safety training DVDs and compliance software sales have been consistently on the rise. "Safety training has always been a tough-sell. But with increasing pressure on Safety Coordinators to do more with less, our customers view our products as high quality, cost-effective training tools," noted Randy Kohltfarber, Director of Convergence Product Development. He added, "And with more diversified sales efforts, we can focus our resources on what we do best, producing superior training tools that improve safety and lower costs."

Leading online safety stores, including WorkplaceSafetyVideos.com, ComplianceAndSafety.com, and SafetyDVDs.com, now carry Congergence Training safety DVDs and compliance software. Bjorn Ansbro, Convegence’s Business Development Manager, is also currently developing reseller and affiliate relationships with national equipment distributors, office supply retailers, and federal organizations. Bjorn notes that, "While building these relationships is critical to our growth, our new reseller program is just one step toward establishing and building a lasting presence in the industry."

Convergence is a producer of occupational health and safety training videos, learning management software, and regulatory compliance tools for general industry, mining, pulp and paper, and construction.

For more information on Convergence Training's safety training videos, compliance software, and online training services, visit www.ThinkConvergence.com or call 888-634-7346 x231.

Convergence to Upgrade Ecommerce Software

2009-10-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

After launching our reseller program, reaching out to hundreds of new customers, and deciding to develop and release many new titles, we have decided to upgrade our online store. We have decided to use ZNode, a powerful e-commerce platform that is designed to be adaptable and customizable. In the next couple of months, look for a brand new design as well as a host of new features to make the shopping experience more enjoyable and easier to use.

New features include:
- Better product organization
- More design and layout flexibility
- Post product reviews online
- Built in customer service forms
- Faster performing with less lag time
- Advanced product search
- Better image and thumbnail support
- And many more!

Visit the ZNode Website

PulpandPaperTraining.com Launched!

2009-09-29T13:19:00.001-07:00

Convergence Training is pleased to announce that we have launched a new website, dedicated to our pulp and paper customers.

Specific topics covered by this new website include:

Custom Machine and Process Training - Site-specific, media-rich, 3D courses
Contractor Training Solutions - Training and software to save time and money
Mill Safety Training - Off-the-shelf, media-rich, 3D courses
Learning Management System Software - Deliver, track, and report
Mobile Training Device - Rugged task and classroom management in the field

We invite you to browse the new site and give us your feedback!

MSHASafetyTraining.com Adds Surface Miner Training Online (Enterprise Solution)

2009-09-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Do you have many miners at many sites?

Do you need to get MSHA Part 46 training to those miners?

Do you have a hard and costly time getting those miners together for training?

If the answer to any of the above questions is "Yes!", then MSHASafetyTraining.com has an enterprise solution for you.

After many requests, MSHASafetyTraining.com is proud to announce our award winning MSHA training is now available in an online msha training solution. Our Surface Miner Training, combined with our Online Learning Management System, provides a fully-integrated training management solution. You can set up training plans, deliver training, test trainees, and automatically produce records of training in a centralized internet-based system. Access the system from any PC connected to the internet. With our online system you will save time and money!

Check it out here:
Surface Miner Training Online

Spanish MSHA Part 46 Training?

2009-09-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of years, we have been getting more and more requests to have our safety training DVDs and MSHA Part 46 training translated to Spanish. Because of the additional requests, we are looking into translation services and budgeting to see what it would take. Not everyone fully understands some of the challenges we face by undertaking the translation. There are several different ways to approach it with different levels of end-product quality. Here are the options:

Add Subtitles and Audio to Safety DVDs - $$$
The "easiest" way to get into Spanish is to target just our DVD products. We can get the scripts translated and recorded in Spanish, and just add an alternative audio track. This may sound simple, but keep in mind we have over 16 hours of combined EHS and MSHA training. The cost just for us to have the script translated and recorded could be more than $50k! In addition, the downside is that only the audio gets translated, so all the graphics on the screen will be in English and American standard measurements. For native Spanish speakers, they could hear appropriate text, but the animations and graphics may not coordinate.

Translate On-Screen Graphics and Add Spanish Audio - $$$$
The next step would be more translation including the on-screen graphics. This would include doing the above translation, PLUS a translator would have to watch all of our training, transcribe the text and graphics on screen, and then we would have to manually update all the text. I'm guessing that cost would be another $50k or more, plus the time it would take someone internally to make all the required graphics changes. There is still one downside to this method, and that involves the 3D scenes. Any of the photos, or textures used in the 3D scenes would still be in English.

Update 3D Scenes, Translate On-Screen Graphics, Add Spanish Audio - $$$$$
The ultimate translation job would include both of the previous steps, PLUS the translation of all 3D assets. This can be truly difficult because it will involve photoshopping texture files and photos to remove English text. It would also require a lot of time to re-render the 3D files, which would then need to be re-imported into our video editing software (Adobe After Effects). Imaging showing a render with a street sign that says "one way" on it in English. It wouldn't make any sense to someone who couldn't read it.

In my opinion, the last path would end up with the most usable training product for Spanish speakers. If you only translate the audio and/or some of the graphics, the training can't possibly be as effective or engaging. Since we are talking about some fairly technical information that definitely has the ability to save lives, wouldn't you want it to be as effective as possible?

If you are interested in Spanish version of any of our training, contact us to let us know. info@thinkconvergence.com, 1-888-634-7346

Convergence Creating H1N1 (Swine Flu) Training

2009-09-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Because of some of the recent media coverage, we are working on creating a swine flu awareness training course. The course will be brief, but will provide specific tips on preventing infection of swine flu and influenza. The 3-5 minute H1N1 safety training will be available soon and will be economically priced.

Check out these in-progress renders:

Convergence Training Visits Northeast

2009-08-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Convergence Training will be meeting with prospects and clients in a weeklong trip to the Cincinnati, Ohio area. We will be meeting primarily with pulp and paper customers and surface mining operations.

If you would like to schedule a meeting with a Convergence representative in your area, please call Roman Battan at 1-888-634-7346 x241 or email us at support@thinkconverence.com.

We look forward to our trip and meeting with everyone!

Convergence to Launch New Website Focused on Mill Training

2009-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Convergence Training is launching a new website exclusively for pulp and paper producers! The new site will feature training products focused solely on the pulp and paper industry. This will help our forest product customers get what they need to more easily manage their most important asset, their workforce.

A rough outline of topics that will be included on www.PulpAndPaperTraining.com can be found below:

Orientation Training

Contractor Orientation and Training
New Hire Orientation

Custom Training

Process and Equipment Training
Converting Training
Pulp and Paper Mill Training
Other Site-Specific Training Customized for Your Facility

Mill Safety Training Library

28 OSHA-Based Safety Courses
Over 10 Hours of Training
Contemporary, Engaging, To-The-Point

Mobile Training

Track Classroom Attendance
Perform Real-Time Task Training
Capture electronic signatures
Identify Equipment Using Barcode Scanner

Convergence Training Welcomes Two New Employees

2009-08-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

We would like to welcome two new designers to the Convergence Training team, Bobby Morin and Dustin Langley.

Bobby and Dustin bring additional horsepower to our creative team by way of their 3d and animation skills and will help us continue to meet our project deadlines and business goals. Dustin is currently working on a building the model for a customer paper machine course and Bobby is helping us with a different site-specific paper machine training project.

Paying For Our Training is Way Better Than Getting It For FREE!

2009-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Why Pay Convergence When We Can Get Training For Free From MSHA?

Simple. Because MSHA’s free training really isn’t so free. Granted, MSHA training programs can be a cost-effective approach to staying compliant. But many mine operators and mining contractors either don’t have the flexibility necessary to meet MSHA’s training schedules or can’t coordinate the minimum number of attendees for an MSHA training session.

Remember that when you’re trying to save a few bucks with a free training session, you have to take into account all the additional expenses involved, including travel time, fuel, food, and accommodations.

Let’s Look At The Real Cost Of Free Training

Let’s compare the difference between sending five employees (the minimum allowed) to a free MSHA training session, and using our Surface Miner Training DVD Set.

With MSHA’s free training, you’re paying:

MSHA Requires a minimum of 5 attendees. Wages include an average of $20 per hour for 8 hours of annual refresher training and 6 hours of travel time (300 round trip miles). Transportation costs assume 15 mpg at $3 per gallon. Meals are factored in using $25 for each attendee.

MSHA Free Training	5 Workers
Wages During Training	$800
Travel Time	$600
Food	$125
Fuel	$60
Mileage	$165
	$1,750

By the time you’re done getting your employees their annual refresher it is far from free, and that’s for just five employees.

Now Let’s Look At Our Surface Miner Training DVD Set

You just can’t beat the cost-effectiveness of training your team onsite on your schedule. Our Surface Miner Training DVD Set covers all the same required Part 46 content, but with a modern look and training style that your employees will engage with. With these DVDs, you can train at your convenience, and without the scheduling, logistical, and cost headaches.

So, here’s what it will cost you for the same training:

Convergence Training	5 Workers
Wages During Training	$800
Travel Time	$0
Food	$0
Fuel	$0
Mileage	$0
Surface Miner Training DVD Set	$499
	$1,299

With Convergence Surface Miner Training, you benefit from:

Cost-Effective Training - A one-time cost of $499 for the DVD set (testing tools and certificates included).
Scheduling Flexibility - Training done at your convenience.
Hassle-Free On-Site Training - No worrying about employees missing the MSHA appointments.

With our Surface Miner Training DVD Set, you can use it as many times as you like. Train your new miners and use it for your annual refreshers as well.

Let’s Compare One Last Time

Using the DVD Set instead of the free MSHA training will actually save you hundreds of dollars the first time you use it - an immediate savings of $451. Over the life of the DVDs you will save even more - after using the DVDs for five years you will be saving more than $4,250, and that’s assuming you only have to train five employees.

However, you decide to train your team, just consider the real cost of free training. Many of our customers already have.

All numbers in this article are estimates. Your actual numbers may vary.