Suffolk New College to host third OESAA Academy Live event

The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association is delighted to announce that Suffolk New College will host OESAA Academy Live on Friday 31st March and Saturday 1st April.

Following the debut success at Lincoln College and the excitement of the imminent event at Castleford College (24th and 25th February), OESAA is thrilled to move the roadshow to East Anglia.

The organisation is confident its network of expert technical trainers will motivate a new generation of motor vehicle superstars and inform enthusiastic automotive professionals.

Held on Friday 31st March at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, current college students will be invited to participate in a series of bespoke sessions. These will focus on vehicle and product innovation, diagnosis and repair. Learners will also be treated to an audience with inspirational industry speakers, all of whom will share their automotive journey and highlight potential pathways into the industry.

Trade professionals, meanwhile, are invited to join OESAA members on Saturday 1st April. They’ll be offered a masterclass, learning about similar topics to the students but in more depth and practical in today’s workshop environment.

For instance, Banner Batteries is set to make its OESAA Academy Live debut. Russell Shea will explain why the demand for lead-acid batteries is set to increase exponentially in the next 20 years. This despite the rapid emergence of lithium-ion batteries within the automotive sector following the development of EVs and hybrids.

Meanwhile, representatives from Brembo, Dayco, ZF, DENSO and MAHLE Aftermarket have all confirmed their attendance and will offer presentations. Laser Tools, Schaeffler with a REPXPERT van and Garage Services Online will have a presence in the workshop arena.

Suffolk New College Business Innovator, Thomas Smith, said: “Suffolk New College is proud to be working with OESAA and its member organisations on the OESAA Academy Live event. It is fantastic to offer our learners and apprentices the opportunity to learn from leading manufacturers, and to see the industry taking a keen interest in the next generation. It’s vital that industry partners with education, and this event is a great example of that. OESAA Academy Live gives our learners and apprentices front row seats to technological advances and best practice methods.”

Thomas is also excited at the prospect of welcoming industry professionals on campus in Ipswich: “They’ll be able to engage in the same great learning opportunities, meeting industry leading professionals, exploring technological advances, and understand how to implement best practice within their own organisations. They will also be able to explore our new Net Zero Skills Centre, which features an electronic vehicle maintenance and repair workshop, from which we will be offering training to motor vehicle professionals.”

OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, is ecstatic to see the OESAA Academy Live roadshow grow in stature and believes the format is quickly becoming a proven recipe for success. 

He said: “We’re busy putting the finishing touches to the Castleford College preparation, yet we’re already busy planning ahead, such has been the enthusiasm and desire from colleges, like Suffolk New College, to host these type of events.

“The appetite for these training sessions is inspiring, and we are confident that we can repay the colleges, students and professionals by delivering invaluable presentations and networking opportunities. We want to futureproof the industry in both the short and long-term and believe OESAA Academy Live can help achieve that.”

To register for either Castleford College or Suffolk New College events, visithttps://www.oe-suppliers.org/oesaa-academy-live-register-here