DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 AFTERMARKET 49 www.aftermarketonline.net professionals in the field of air conditioning, engine cooling, efficiency, and emissions, to leverage their technical skills, with a series of free live webinars conducted by their product specialists. Recordings will be made available on Facebook or on the Nissens Experts portal, an platform with a library of more than 100 technical assets, including technical stories, tips, bulletins, and tools dedicated to technicians. “ To join the free webinars on the Nissens Facebook page or watch recordings of past events, visit: www.facebook.com/nissensautomotive Educational needs For those looking to access training remotely, Maverick Diagnostics recently launched an online training platform for its Automotive Training Academy. Commenting on the offering, Maverick Diagnostics M.D Laura Hall said: “Encompassing a comprehensive array of 32 in-depth topics – within the scope of mechanics, electricity and electronics, engine management, air conditioning, diagnostics, hybrid and electric technology – the platform goes beyond conventional mechanics. It delves deep to guarantee a well-rounded understanding of the industry landscape.” Laura added: “Our online training platform ensures that this knowledge is readily available at the fingertips of every technician, making automotive technology education convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective.” For more information, visit: www.automotivetraining.info Engaged Commenting on the offering from MOT Skills UK, Managing Director Donna Chapman said “We were part of the original working group who assisted the DVSA to change the way Techs became Testers and retained their licence with their ongoing studies. With us running the pilots at the beginning it gave us an insight into things other companies may not have the advantage of. “My trainers are pleased to report that, not only are the students getting more engaged, they are also showing an application for the job, rarely seen back in the days when we started the company.” She continued: “Feedback from our students is vital. The surprising thing I’ve found is the range of courses they want to do in addition to just testing. Only today, we’ve had requests for QC training, additional testing classes, Management training and air conditioning. Certainly, in my personal experience, ongoing training is a want. She added “Hand-in-hand with training, however, has got to be the support. Our training consultants and trainers, ensure that the students are given the right advise, precourse information is clear and relatable and throughout the course they are given help to get the most out of the training.” On how Mirka UK is looking to support businesses involved in crash repairs through training, Mirka UK National Sales Manager Steve Smith observed: “At Mirka, we believe that training is an important function in equipping repairers with the requisite skills and helping them develop more business to meet the constantly changing demands of their customer base. In addition, the training helps reduce the skills gap within the industry, which is caused by an ageing workforce. “The customisable nature of the programme enables businesses to focus on specific areas that are relevant to them and the jobs that come through their doors on a dayto-day basis. When it comes to the location of the training, we leave that in the hands of the business. However, our ATA-accredited technical team knows there are benefits to running the courses on site or at our training centre in Milton Keynes. For on-site, we find that the customer has the familiarity of their usual surroundings, which enables us to highlight how their own specific products or processes would work in an environment they are familiar with.” Steve added: “When we take the training away from the workshop floor to our training centre, participants can take part in e-learning and classroom-based learning in advance of the course, before having their hands-on experience.” Exceptionally productive For those looking for something a little different, the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) continues to run OESAA Academy Live events, with recent outings taking place at Exeter College in Devon and Hugh Baird college in Liverpool. OESAA members including Schaeffler, Brembo, Banner, Dayco, Bosch, VARTA, Laser Tools, MAHLE Aftermarket, HELLA, and DENSO provided information to 200 attendees, with a trade evening on the first day, followed by student seminars and demonstrations on the second. Garage Services Online and headline sponsor GSF also took part. Andy Wells, representing Exeter College, said: “Our students found the event incredibly informative and gained insights from some of the most prominent figures in the automotive aftermarket. A total of 160 students attended, all of whom now possess a clearer understanding of potential career pathways and the educational benefits of engaging with external organisations.” Lynn Masterton of Hugh Baird College added: “Our students gained authentic insights into the industry. The presentations were both captivating and directly applicable to their ongoing studies. We take pride in cultivating positive relationships with organisations, like OESAA.” More OESAA Academy Live events will be announced soon. For more information, visit: oe-suppliers.org Rewards For those looking for more than knowledge from their training, there is still time to enter the DENSO League of True Mechanics (LOTM) competition. DENSO Europe Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich commented: “The LOTM competition not only rewards the top technicians in their own regions with a selection of prizes, which in the UK includes a £250 and then a £500 Red Letter Day experience for the third and second placed finishers and a fantastic European Grand Prix experience for two for the winner, but also culminates with an overall champion across all the regions, who will receive a prize worth €2,000.” Fatiha added: “This year, the four courses that provide the content for the competition include an air conditioning compressors module, another on the basic steps of air conditioning servicing, plus a focus on cabin air filters, with the fourth on PowerEdge wiper blades.” To sign up for the 2023 LOTM competition, register on the free e-Learning platform via the DENSO Aftermarket website: www.denso-technic.com/en
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