AAAE: Auto tech students to demonstrate skills

THE Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo is set to play host to an exciting new competition dedicated to upcoming talent in the automotive arena.

Dubbed the Flying Spanners competition, it aims to encourage and promote the future of the next-generation of automotive industry technicians, and involves teams of automotive students from different Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) competing against each other to rebuild an engine faster than the opposing team, using only hand tools.

Each team will be made up of two members who are currently undertaking automotive training and studying towards a qualification at an RTO/TAFE, with no age restriction in place. A limit of two teams per education facility will apply, and the teams can come from any automotive field.

The team to complete the rebuild to the required standard in the fastest time while keeping within the competition guidelines will be declared as the inaugural AAAE Flying Spanners winners, receiving a prize in recognition of their achievement.

“This exciting new Expo feature will not only challenge and celebrate the industry’s next generation but is also a great way to involve our important training organisations in what we are doing to educate and inspire all members of the auto aftermarket,” said AAAA director of membership, marketing and events, Tiffany Conway.

“Our industry is crying out for talented technicians so at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) we are laser focused on doing all we can to foster the next generation.

“This includes showcasing the latest new technologies and industry innovation, new generation vehicle diagnostics, and EV training, and we are also looking forward to seeing the spanners flying in a friendly, interactive competition between automotive students.

One of the RTOs to participate in Flying Spanners at the AAAE will be Kangan Institute.

“At Kangan Institute, we are extremely passionate about fostering the next generation of automotive talent through our Automotive Centre of Excellence,” said Kangan Institute manager of commercial vehicle and engine technology Gavin Cribb.

“We are very excited to see our teams in full flight at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, going head-to-head with some of our country’s best and brightest students.”

While Flying Spanners is sure to attract plenty of attention, there is also lots more on offer at AAAE for the industry’s up and coming technicians.

“The free to attend Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo represents the only comprehensive trade show for the nation’s $25 billion automotive repair and service industry,” added Ms Conway.

“Offering extensive training and education opportunities, it is an amazing place for young technicians and apprentices to learn more about the industry and receive training from world leading experts.

“From diagnostic training to our Expo Electrified and ADAS Technology zones, there is a long list of cutting-edge learning opportunities here at Expo to help them prepare for the work that lays ahead of them.”

Ms Conway said the Expo will also feature more than 400 leading brands showcasing the latest vehicle repair and servicing equipment, technology, parts, and accessories to thousands of expected trade visitors.

The Auto Aftermarket Expo will take place April 11-13 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.