ArcView 3.x and 8.x Training Options

Many of the respondents replied that they have created in-house training materials and classes which is what I ended up doing. For reference, listed below are other options for out-sourcing training for ArcView 3.x. The cost for courses varies from source to source and also depends on how generic or customized you need to the training to be as well as the number of people to be trained.

• CSULB under Frank Gossette provides customized training that can either be onsite or offsite.
• Rio Hondo provides ArcView 8x training at their campus but dropped their ArcView 3.x training.

Commercial Firms

• ESRI provides regular training classes at their Redlands campus. They will also provide onsite training if requested. Also, online training modules ranging from free to $100 are available through their virtual campus.
• GDMS provides ESRI authorized training both at their location (they are based out of Lancaster/Palmdale) and will do onsite training.
• Shannon Pickett of Peak Inc. provides ESRI-Authorized training.

From Frank Gossette of CSULB:

We here at CSU Long Beach have done customized training for a number of
local agencies -- City of Lakewood, City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
BayCities COG, .. etc.

Usually we use sub-sets of real local datasets so that people can
actually USE the stuff they learned in the context of the agencies
layers and attributes. This takes a little extra preparation to have
handouts and materials customized for each agency, but it is worth it in
the long run.

We have done the training HERE at a university lab and at the city-site
-- especially where there is an existing PC training room already set up
or where they can clear space. There is an advantage -- particularly in
the first session(s)-- to get people OUT of the office. At the off-site
training location they can tune out the constant interruptions and other
demands at the office, where going to the bathroom often means getting
caught in a crisis and never returning until after lunch. We've also
done combinations of off-site (to begin with) and on-site (sessions 2,3)
where people can use the actual network and data they will use in their
future applications. That works well, too.

In any case, having time BETWEEN training sessions is important to both
let stuff "sink in" and to have time to practice back in the office.
Having the software installed BEFORE the training so individuals can go
back to their desks and "play" is very important reinforcement.

It is sometimes useful to have shorter, demonstration (no hands-on)
sessions for "managers." Let them see how the software works, but don't
expect them to master it .. also helps for "reality check" on
expectations and helps supervisors understand the parameters in
assigning projects and tasks.

Generally speaking, this type of training ranges from about $100 - $200
per person/day. Groups of 6-12 seem to work best .. larger than that
and it gets out of control.

From Shannon Pickett:

For 4 students the price would be $2800.
Please add $200 per student above 4 and up to 8.
Please add $100 per student above 8 and up to 12.
I can supply computers if needed for an additional $150/student.

Contact Shannon Pickett for more information and a brochure:

Shannon L. Pickett
Peak Surveys, Inc.
2488 Townsgate Road, Suite D
Westlake Village, CA 91361-2898
805-497-0102
818-889-3579
Fax: 805-495-7014
shannonp@peakinc.com
www.peakinc.com