OESAA Academy Live events inspire industry professionals of tomorrow

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.

By Gillian March September 4, 2024
Representatives from Banner Batteries, MAHLE, DENSO, Bosch, Schaeffler, and Brembo will showcase the pedigree of the automotive aftermarket and highlight their expertise to students and apprentices nationwide as OESAA Academy Live makes its return. Three events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College , and Fareham College will take place on the 16th and 17th October, as well as the 14th November, respectively. These events aim to bolster practical knowledge, showcase technological advancements, and prepare the next generation for successful careers in the automotive sector. The successful format of previous OESAA Academy Live events will be repeated, featuring informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars delivered by dedicated OESAA members. DENSO’s Mike Sadler will provide an in-depth exploration and demonstration of spark plugs. He will offer valuable insights into their various functions and importance, as well as the type of plugs available in the automotive aftermarket. Brembo’s Siti Abdullah, meanwhile, will present an overview of braking systems. Her presentation will introduce the importance of safety in using OE and share best practices to enhance the quality of repair and replacement. Colleagues from Schaeffler, MAHLE, Banner Batteries, and Bosch will also showcase their unique skillset at OESAA Academy Live. They will be united in their approach to providing the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their studies and future careers. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, added: “It feels great to be returning to colleges after the summer break. Our members are equally refreshed and excited to get back on the road, ready to deliver inspiring and thought-provoking sessions to students and apprentices. “The aforementioned colleges have been tremendous; they’ve subscribed to our approach and, like us, want to deliver outstanding OESAA Academy Live events. It’s vitally important we demonstrate the attraction of the automotive industry.”
By Gillian March August 15, 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.
By Gillian March July 4, 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.”
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