Colleges impressed by OESAA Academy Live’s commitment to supporting stars of the future
Date: Monday 10 June 2024
(10th June 2024) – Participating colleges in the OESAA Academy Live training roadshow have praised the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association and its members for their knowledge, professionalism and dedication in preparing students and apprentices for a thriving career in the automotive sector.
So far in 2024, OESAA has held events at Trafford College, Suffolk New College, and HEAT (Blackburn College). The purposes of OESAA Academy Live are to illustrate the opportunities and career paths that the automotive arena has to offer, put the spotlight on existing and new technologies, and give a glimpse into products, tools, technical best practice and diagnosis.
And judging by feedback from both college staff and students, OESAA has delivered on its pledges and had a profound impact.
“Invaluable experience”
Michael Yerbury, an advanced automotive technical trainer based at HEAT (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) Blackburn College, believes OESAA Academy Live has inspired the college’s 200 learners, providing “invaluable knowledge and hands-on skills that will benefit them in both the short and long-term”.
He continued: “It was a great opportunity; to have OESAA here, it illustrated the commitment OEMs have in bringing themselves down to grassroots level, at college, where students can listen and absorb the abundance of skills and experience industry experts have. Consequently, we hope our students will utilise these new skills and identify a clear career path.
“It was fantastic for the students to gain an insight into how OEMs operate, from design and development to materials and manufacture. Being taught how to inspect and install LuK clutches and VARTA batteries, for instance, and exploring the systems they’re integrated into was a unique experience.”
Building a pathway to success
Kayleigh Norris, head of careers and adult personal development at Suffolk New College, was particularly excited by the fact OESAA Academy Live showcased various career pathways within the automotive industry to the college’s students, from service and repair to sales, detailing, accident repairs, and more.
Kayleigh emphasised the importance of these interactions in helping students envision their future careers: “It was amazing to listen to the diverse career journeys and the qualifications earned – Siti from Brembo, in particular, was a joy to listen to. I hope it inspired our learners to strive for similar success.
“This exposure to the real-world also reinforces the importance of core subjects too, like English and maths, which are essential for professional development.”
Judging by the overwhelmingly positive response to this year’s OESAA Academy Live events thus far, the structure and modules have had a profound impact on students and apprentices. OESAA hopes its next series of events – details to be confirmed shortly – will have the same influence.
For more information about OESAA, visit oe-suppliers.org
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Membership of IAAF is a must for parts distributors and suppliers that wish to keep up to date with the latest legislation and add value to all areas of their business.
Richard Welland
WAI Global UK