NOVEMBER 2023 AFTERMARKET 63 www.aftermarketonline.net OESAA Academy Live returned recently to bring its mixture of training content to Exeter College. The event, held on the evening of Wednesday 27 September, saw a range of exhibitors and presenters bring their knowledge to the college, covering best practice techniques and product technology. OESAA Chairman Nigel Morgan said: “We were delighted with the enthusiasm of the visitors. It was great to see our members engage with the people fitting their parts.” The evening session was followed by a morning session on Thursday 28 September dedicated to apprentices and those at college looking to join the industry, with OESAA experts sharing their knowledge with the young people. Nigel added: “We are acutely aware of the need to bring our skillset and experience to the classroom, as we prepare the next pool of automotive superstars. It was a joy to see the students absorbing the information offered to them, and we hope they left their sessions with renewed enthusiasm and having learnt something new, which they can apply in their learning or future career.” The event was followed by another outing for OESAA Academy Live at Liverpool’s Hugh Baird College on Wednesday 4 October. For more information, visit: oe-suppliers.org OESAA Academy Live hits Exeter LKQ Academy is looking to put another 1,000 mechanics through hybrid and electric vehicle training by the end of the year, adding a further 50% on top of the 2,000 it has already put through its programmes during 2023. With this in mind, the training provider has launched a number of new EV and hybrid courses. The two-day Becoming an EV Garage course covers the business side of the equation. On the technical side for those already up to Level there are a pair of practical courses. The first looks at diagnosis and repair for high voltage systems, with the second dedicated to high voltage batteries. These are available at a number of locations including Doncaster, Tamworth and Southampton. Bob Wiffen, Workshop Solutions Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “The direction of travel on hybrids and EVs is clear – around half of all new cars sold now are plug-in, up from one in 10 vehicles in 2019. Although many of the newest vehicles will be maintained by their dealership to start with, there are plenty of hybrids in particular that are in their fourth and fifth years of ownership, and that are coming into the independent aftermarket now.” As Bob observed, figures from GIPA indicate one in two drivers have changed their repairer since purchasing an EV: “Garages that highlight their hybrid and EV expertise and capability on their websites and on social media are best placed to win the confidence of their customers, and with our help, can build their reputation as a local specialist in a market that’s only going to grow.” LKQ Academy provides IMI-approved courses for all levels. Individual memberships start from £649, while Platinum membership offers businesses access to 20 training days across 25 locations and 20 eLearning courses for £2,499 a year. For more information, visit: www.lkqacademy.co.uk LKQ Academy to train 1,000 more technicians
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