Striving for excellent customer service at Customer College

  • Published
  • By Dr. Jill Fuson
  • 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Technical school teaches the necessary skills for performing jobs within the Air Force mission but where can an Airman learn how to correctly implement those skills where customer service is concerned?

The answer is taught at the RAF Lakenheath Customer College.

The objective of Customer College is to encourage assisting others through excellent service and organization pride. Educating people on the importance of customer service is the key to better serving customers, said Lindsay Harper, 48th Services Squadron unit education and training manager.

Customer College sets the foundation for placing professional, fully-trained, customer-focused people back into Air Force products and services. The goal is to make a positive and long-lasting contribution to the United States Air Force in Europe quality of life.

"Customer College gives people the foundations for good customer service through discussion, practical demonstration and video presentation," said Lindsay Harper. "During the class, we all learn from each others experiences and relate to real work situations."

Customer College is constructed to deliver the resources, tools, training and initial skills required for customer service professionals to provide service that exceeds customer expectations.

The four hour class is offered twice monthly at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The class explores external customer care concepts which are customers seeking assistance as well as internal customer care concepts which include fellow co-workers.

Standards are also defined for exceptional service and distinguished between exceptional, good and poor service. Customer College is a reminder work is more than just a job, said Rachel Bowlin, Grill and Steakhouse waitress at the Breckland Pines Golf Course. "It is about how we interact with the people we come in contact with and what sort of impression they take away."

Customer College also assists in dealing with difficult customers, attitude adjustments and how to cure negativity in the workplace. "Attitude is the single most important part of the class because if you start with the right attitude, then everything else will fall into place," said Mr. Harper.

For more information or to sign up for Customer College, call 226-1098.