Colleges impressed by OESAA Academy Live’s commitment to supporting stars of the future

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. 

Gloucestershire College ready to welcome OESAA Academy Live

By Gillian March • 15 Aug, 2024
Gloucestershire College is eagerly preparing to host OESAA Academy Live. This highly anticipated event, set to take place on Wednesday 16 th October, will offer a unique chance for students and staff to engage directly with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in automotive technology. Following the successes at Trafford College, Suffolk New College, and HEAT at Blackburn College, OESAA Academy Live continues to provide invaluable insights and hands-on experience to automotive students and apprentices. OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break, with Gloucestershire College set to host the first of three events: Exeter College and Fareham College will also welcome OESAA on Thursday 17 th October and Thursday 14 th November respectively. OESAA Academy Live will help students “familiarise” themselves with industry standards Gloucestershire College is proud to be part of this initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry. Gloucestershire College Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, Robert Papps, is thrilled at the prospect of students receiving information first-hand from OEMs for the first time. He said: “Gloucestershire College is excited to be involved in OESAA Academy Live, as it gives both our students and staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest, industry-standard products the group has to offer. “For many of our students, this will be the first time they hear key information directly from a manufacturer, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and hear first-hand from those already in the trade.” Robert also focused on the real-world experience and guidance students and apprentices will observe and absorb. He added: “By attending this event, our students will gain vital experience. It will prepare them for the working world and equip them with crucial skills for when they start their time in the industry.” The event will feature a series of informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars. These are all designed to showcase the latest products and technologies, best practice techniques, and potential career pathways within the automotive sector. This direct interaction with OESAA members, OEM representatives, provides students with a unique perspective on the industry and its future. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, emphasised the continued importance of these events. He said: “OESAA Academy Live has garnered positive feedback from both students and tutors. Our curriculum, organisation, and passion have resonated well. We are confident that our members will once again deliver valuable content to learners at all levels. “These events are crucial; giving back to the grassroots of the industry is essential and demonstrates to everyone involved that the sector is dynamic, inclusive, and profitable.

Gloucestershire, Exeter and Fareham colleges to host OESAA Academy Live shows

By Gillian March • 04 Jul, 2024
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association is pleased to announce three new locations and dates for its successful OESAA Academy Live college roadshow. Following triumphs at Trafford College, Suffolk New College and HEAT (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) at Blackburn College – where hundreds of students and apprentices got a front-row seat as to how OEMs are shaping the sector, what technologies, challenges and innovations are likely to shape the industry, and what successful careers they could forge in the future – OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break with events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College and Fareham College . OESAA’s members will visit Gloucestershire and Exeter on back-to-back dates of Wednesday 16 th and Thursday 17 th October respectively, while Fareham will host the final event of the year on Thursday 14 th November. Informative presentations of the latest products and technologies, dynamic demonstrations of best practice and diagnosis techniques and engaging seminars that illustrate potential career pathways will be on the agenda once more. Participating OESAA members will be revealed in due course; however, all are united in their quest to prepare students and apprentices the best they can, as they embark on a livelihood in the automotive arena. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, said: “OESAA Academy Live has been well-received by both students and tutors. Our approach – curriculum, structure and enthusiasm – have hit the mark, so we’re confident our members will be able to provide valuable content to learners of all levels once again. “These events are extremely important; being able to give something back to the grassroots of the industry is vital and illustrates to all involved that the sector is vibrant, welcoming and profitable.”

OESAA Academy Live events inspire industry professionals of tomorrow

By Gillian March • 25 Jun, 2024
Students taking part in the OESAA Academy Live training roadshow have praised the hands-on approach of Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) members.  OESAA Academy Live shows students and apprentices the different career opportunities available in the automotive sector, as well as illustrate existing and new technologies, products, tools, technical best practices, and diagnostics. Following events at Trafford College , Suffolk New College and Heat (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) Blackburn College , OESAA caught-up with three students to ask about the impact these events could have on their studies and future careers. “Opened our eyes” Jawad, from HEAT Blackburn College, highlighted VARTA’s battery presentation, in particular: “It was very helpful because while we talk about batteries in class, VARTA opened our eyes and widened our knowledge about the different battery types, like AGM or EFB.” On whether he wants to forge a long-term career in the sector, Jawad added: “I believe the motor industry is looked down upon; I think a lot of people think the automotive sector is just about oil changes – manual labour – but we’ve learned that there is so much skill and knowledge required. How to fix a timing belt, for example, requires ability. “I think I could make a lucrative career from the automotive sector too – if I have the knowledge!” Kadeer, also from HEAT Blackburn College, highlighted the broad scope of his learning experience: “As an industry professional, I believe in specialising in one brand – rather than focusing on every brand – because systems work in different ways. The same goes for powertrains.” Broadening horizons At Suffolk New College, Malachi, a T-level engineering student, highlighted how OESAA’s experts helped expand his understanding of the automotive sector: “I really enjoyed hearing about all the different aspects of engineering. It’s more than just the mechanical side; it’s about diagnostics and the future of automotive technology, like hydrogen vehicles and electric cars.” The exposure to various pathways within the automotive industry was particularly interesting to Malachi: “I was never aware of the diverse roles within the automotive sector until OESAA Academy Live. Bosch and Brembo opened my eyes to potential careers I hadn’t considered before.” OESAA hopes to inspire more apprentices and students during its next two events, scheduled to take place in October. Details will be shared in due course.
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