Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / News ASA University’s Year in Review: Trends and Hot Topics ASA University’s Year in Review: Trends and Hot Topics ASA members were busy in 2023, taking advantage of ASA University’s library of tools and training to help boost performance and profitability of employees across their businesses. In 2023, we saw some new trends rise to the surface, and had stellar engagement from members across the board. By the numbers In 2023, ASA-U benefits were utilized by 112 distributor members and 17 manufacturer & manufacturer rep companies, well above 2022 engagement across all membership types. In addition, ASA-U also served several non-members in ancillary and adjacent industries, such as contractors. ASA members who engage with training can reap significant benefits to the business, including increased retention, productivity, and profitability, a significant ROI on training at the ground level. These benefits have been proven numerous times in studies of workplace training and its impact on the business. Across these 120-plus members served, course enrollments ranked in the thousands — with many members taking advantage of customized training tracks or off-the-shelf training tracks, while others utilized an ala carte approach to target specific skill gaps at the right moment in time. Top courses of 2023 Far and away, the most popular training for our members continues to be our ProductPro courses, which focus on product knowledge to do the job right. As in years past, our tried-and-true PVF, copper, and steel courses continued to top the charts. This year, however, two soft-skills courses snuck into the mix, indicating a shift in training needs among members. ASA University’s top-used courses in 2023 were: Introduction to Pipe, Valves, and Fittings Introduction to Copper Tube, Plastic Pipe, and Fittings Creating a Respectful Workplace Introduction to Steel, Stainless Steel, Iron Pipe, and Fittings Taking Control of Conflict Beyond the self-explanatory ProductPro courses that made the list, Taking Control of Conflict introduces the different types of conflict, shows individuals how to communicate clearly and tactfully, explores appropriate resolution strategies, and establishes a common-sense approach for preventing unnecessary conflict. Creating a Respectful Workplace also held spot No. 3, signaling interest among members in elevating the culture of their organizations. Creating a Respectful Workplace is designed to help employees consistently demonstrate respect in their day-to-day interactions. From electronic to face-to-face communication, participants learn the behaviors that contribute to a respectful environment. Kudos to our members for highlighting the importance of a respectful work culture for all. ASA University’s off-the-shelf training tracks also got heavy play in 2023, with more than 140 learners enrolled in comprehensive training tracks, spanning all of ASA University’s five colleges. By the numbers, the top five role-based ASA training tracks this year were: ASA-U Inside Sales Training Track ASA-U Outside Sales Training Track ASA-U Counter Sales Training Track ASA-U Intro to Industry Deep Dive Training Track ASA-U Branch Manager Training Track Members got creative in 2023 ASA-U offers both pre-made, off-the-shelf role-based training tracks, as well as the ability to customize and create a training track that is specific to the company’s needs. In 2023, 17 ASA members took advantage of creating custom training tracks for their teams. These members worked with the ASA University team to develop the perfect training plan — no matter how big or small — resulting in enrollments of more than 80 customized tracks. (Interested in growing your own training track? Contact us at education@asa.net) These custom training tracks can be grown from modifying one of our peer-reviewed and vetted role-based training tracks, adding and removing courses as needed, or can start from scratch with the company choosing from the course catalog based on their needs. Leadership journeys began in 2023 ASA-U offers a Master of Distribution Management Certificate Program for the next generation of leaders looking to grow their skills and hone their instincts. In 2023, 11 up-and-coming leaders across seven unique distributor companies enrolled in the ASA MDM program, backed by mentors at their respective organizations. These classes are well underway, with the group’s third peer-to-peer session kicking off on Jan. 9. The new-and-improved MDM Program launched in October 2023, running as a shorter 12-month program revolving around a new leadership book, peer-to-peer study and collaboration, supplemental training pathways. The MDM program touches on many key facets of leadership including: embracing culture, succession planning, change management, and strategic decision-making. The next session will begin in January 2024. To find out more, please visit www.asa.net/mdm. Ready to start 2024 on the right foot? Contact us at education@asa.net or visit www.asa.net to begin exploring all that ASA University has to offer. We look forward to serving our members again in 2024 and expanding the reach and impact of ASA-U training across our industry. By Jen Hatta Education & Program Services Coordinator Print