Students get front row look at aftermarket strength

The annual Student Aftermarket Day at Automotive Business School of Canada once again showed the prowess of the auto care sector in Canada to the next generation of automotive professionals.

The day is hosted by the Young Professionals in the Auto Care Sector (YPA), the under-45 professional networking arm of AIA Canada, for students of the program at Georgian College in Barrie. It’s a full day of programming and networking for students to learn more about the opportunities the automotive aftermarket industry has to offer.

YPA chair Kari Hann welcomed attendees before AIA Canada president J.F. Champagne touted what the aftermarket has to offer students in their careers. He highlighted the size — both in financial impact and people employed — various job opportunities that are available, job security and how technology is impacting the industry in areas business optimization, artificial intelligence, connected vehicles and more.

Three ‘best in class’ presentations were made — these were groups of students who came up with a product or service that would solve challenges currently seen in the auto care sector.

One group presented an app that would fix and enhance communications between a shop and its customers. It would act like the tracker on delivery apps where the customer can see where along the repair journey their car is and keep in touch to view images provided by the shop, authorize repairs and more.

Another focused on marketing to Generation Z in a world where most marketing efforts are tailored to Millennials and Gen Xers. They recommended better tactics to appeal to them as Gen Z are fully digital natives.

The final group, which ended up winning the competition, developed an app to ensure accurate parts ordering that would also include all parts needed for the repair. An issue they highlighted was that 20 per cent of parts are returned. So their solution would ensure parts ordered are indeed the right fit, and include anything else needed to complete the job.

Students were also able to take part in a career showcase and networking event. Aftermarket companies set up booths and displays to promote the aftermarket to students, who also had the chance to network and learn more about the industry.

From left, Mark Potts, Vincent Montemarano, Stephanie Cooney-Mann and Kari Hann

Four ABSC alumni then took to the stage to talk about their careers in the auto care industry. Vincent Montemarano from Driv, Mark Potts from Driv and Stephanie Cooney-Mann from UAP shared their journey of how they overcame the misconceptions of the aftermarket to find fulfilling careers in the aftermarket.

Then a trio of speakers talked about their careers. Nason Higinbotham of Fountain Tire, Blair McLaughlin of Niterra Group and Adam Malik of Turnkey Media told students about how they got into the aftermarket and what career advice they had for students in the program.

It was the final Student Aftermarket Day for Hann, as Hitesh Patel will take over as YPA chair in the spring. Same for Champagne as he is stepping down from his role, with Emily Chung taking over in the new year.