The NACE Automechanika Commitment to Training completed its third one-day training event of 2016 in mid-November, with a record turnout that brought the total number of automotive professionals trained this year to more than 370. The Commitment to Training program is the educational component of NACE Automechanika, the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for automotive service and collision repair shops.
Commitment to Training one-day events were conducted at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wis.; and Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Ill. Each event featured industry-leading trainers presenting classes for mechanical and collision professionals on a variety of technical and management topics. Each event was presented at no cost thanks to manufacturer support.
“We are thrilled that more than 370 professionals from around the country were able to make it to our one-day events and improve their skillsets,” said Pete Meier, technical editor and director of training for Motor Age and the UBM Americas Automotive Group. “Continued education is vitally important to the success of today’s automotive industry, and these professionals showed their dedication by giving up a Saturday to learn and study with the best.”
The Commitment to Training events are one way NACE Automechanika continues its focus on bringing quality, in-demand training from top educators to the automotive service repair industry. Many attendees of the one-day events also attended Automechanika Chicago 2015 and plan to attend NACE Automechanika Chicago 2017. The upcoming training event and trade show will take place July 26-29, 2017, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
“I went to Automechanika Chicago and then heard about the Commitment to Training events. I came (to the Washtenaw and Fox Valley events) because with all of the new technology on vehicles, you have to get all of the information you can,” said Mike Felicioni, owner of Great Lakes Auto Body, Nunica, Mich. “And if it’s free, even better.”
“Seeing so many people take advantage of training and recognizing that they need to learn is encouraging for our industry. It ties in with our trainers at both the Commitment to Training events and NACE Automechanika, who recognize the importance of educating today’s automotive professionals to ensure vehicle repairs are being made correctly and in a timely manner,” said Jim Savas, VP and GM of the UBM Americas Automotive Group. “With the pace at which vehicle technology is advancing, these training opportunities are becoming increasingly important.”
The Commitment to Training combines live training with webinars, whitepapers, how-to videos, networking and more in an effort to educate today’s automotive professionals. It is made possible by support from manufacturer’s such as Carquest Technical Institute, Delphi, Abaris Training, Mitchell 1, PPG, Polyvance, Pico Technology, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, Mitchell International, Motor Age Training, Axalta, Garmat USA and GFS.
Many of these sponsors will also be participating in the trade show. Because of the time and financial commitment often required to attend training events, NACE Automechanika has secured sponsorships from top companies to offset training costs for mechanical professionals.
Registration is open for NACE Automechanika Chicago, and training topics covered at NACE Automechanika 2017 range from analysis of fuel trim corrections for drivability to social media for shops. Courses offered reflect current trends as well as showcase new techniques and processes to make business more efficient. You can view a list of training sessions scheduled through today; more will be added in coming months.
“We are ecstatic about the Commitment to Training attendance and the positive feedback we have received thus far," stated NACE Automechanika Show Director, Bridget Ferris. "We look forward to complementing the high level training with an outstanding show floor presence in July through the expansion of our product categories, adding more special features and more networking opportunities.”
NACE Automechanika attendees will experience the latest technology, test equipment and discover advanced applications with live, interactive demonstrations. For the 2017 event, the show schedule has been adjusted to limit conflicts between exposition hours and training sessions.
For more information, visit: www.NACEAutomechanika.com
