Yesterday, I had the pleasure of teaching another one-day Tech class. There were 23 in the class, two decided not to take the test, and of the remaining 21, 19 passed the test. Of those 19, one even passed the General Class exam!
Here’s a photo of the class:
Note all the women and younger folks in the class. This is typical of my classes lately. This is an indication of the diverse future for amateur radio
The class was held at Lawrence Tech University. This being my first time teaching there I didn’t really know what to expect. As it turned out, though, I loved the facility. The room I was teaching in had a fancy electronic whiteboard (see below). It took us a while to figure out how to use it, but it worked great once I did.
Thanks!
I didn’t do this all by myself. First of all, let me thank Kimball Williams, N8FNC, of the IEEE Southeast Michigan Section. He did most of the legwork. He got the room, twisted arms to get the IEEE SE MI EMC Society to pay for food, set up the VE team, and even took the photos! I would also like to thank the VE team, which was made up of VEs from the Ford Amateur Radio League and the Hazel Park Amateur Radio Club.
Rob W4ZNG says
Good job, Dan!
Chrsitian Sweningsen KD2LIN says
Good work. My question. We’re in a rural area so don’t generate your numbers, but we do generate a number of new hams every year. *Keeping them* – that’s a whole other matter. Have you written on topics regarding the “care and feeding” of new hams? How to support them, help them get further into the hobby, keep their interest?
Thanks, Christian KD2LIN
Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Rip Van Winkle ARS
AEC, PIO Columbia County NY ARES
Dan KB6NU says
I have written several things about getting hams involved and active. One thing that you might consider doing is giving them a copy of my book, 21 Things to Do After You Get Your Amateur Radio License. I know of at least one club that has ordered many copies (I give them an instructor’s discount), and they are quite happy with it.
I have also blogged about an educational program to help new hams get up to speed after getting their licenses. It’s all about teaching them what they need to know to be successful as hams.
Having said all that, keep in mind that you’re not going to motivate everyone. For some, just getting the license is what they wanted. Or, they were getting a license to please a family member, not because they were really interested in amateur radio. And, of course, some people back away when they figure out how much time it takes.
Good luck. Let me know what you end up doing and how successful you are.
Steve - W8SFC says
Getting new hams to be involved in club activities is the perfect way to inspire them and let them get to know the people in the club. That is how it worked for me, starting with the One Helluva Ride working as a sag driver. Being able to use radio to support people involved in a large activity like that helped make being on the radio more fun. Net participation is good, but getting out and supporting the participants in an outdoor event not only piqued my interest but I noticed the riders were all very appreciative of our presence and many waved as they rode past. The few who needed assistance were also glad Arrow was there. I also am involved in being a Skywarn severe weather observer, and work closely with the ARES in Washtenaw County when storm warning sirens are tested during the year, and being on severe weather nets when needed. In addition to that I upgraded to General late last year and I am serving as a Volunteer Examiner – helping bring more technicians into ham radio. So far I have not found anything I have done as a ham to be anything less than fascinating to learn and fun to do. I am working on doing and learning more everyday because there is so much to amateur radio operation and serving the community is such a rewarding activity.
When I was working I didn’t have the time to spend doing these things, but now that I am retired I think I’ve found the best thing to keep my mind active and there is nothing so far I have found in amateur radio that I haven’t liked.
I wish I could get more people to get licensed and starting to have fun like this!
73, and See you on the radio!