Revving Up Automotive Education: Bridging the Gap Between Training and Real-World Skills [RR 987]

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

This episode explores the distinctions between training and education, comparing the educational systems in the U.S. and Europe and how the automotive industry can support academic institutions. Tanner Brandt emphasizes the value of vocational training and soft skills, while Michael Ingvardsen highlights the advantages of industry collaboration and the need for engaging training resources. Tanner and Michael advocate for a cultural shift in automotive education, calling for long-term industry partnerships and a focus on continuous learning to better equip future technicians.

Michael Ingvardsen, Global Technical Training Manager, Nissens Automotive

Tanner Brandt, Autodiag Clinic. Tanner’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Discussion on Education vs. Training (00:03:03) Carm emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between training and education in the automotive field.
• Tanner’s Perspective on Training (00:03:53) Tanner discusses the differences between short-term training and long-term educational processes.
• Michael on European Training Challenges (00:04:48) Michael explains the cultural differences in training attendance between Europe and the U.S.
• Vacation in Denmark (00:06:26) Carm and Tanner discuss the generous vacation policies in Denmark compared to the U.S.
• High School Vocational Programs (00:07:25) Tanner shares insights about vocational education systems like BOCES in New York.
• Shop Owners and Vocational Programs (00:08:19) Carm highlights the need for shop owners to engage with vocational education centers.
• Challenges in Automotive Education (00:09:12) Tanner addresses misconceptions regarding the readiness of students entering the automotive workforce.
• Michael’s Educational Experience in Denmark (00:10:56) Michael outlines the differences in educational approaches and student opportunities in Denmark.
• Cost of Education in Denmark (00:13:10) Carm and Michael discuss the free education system in Denmark and its implications.
• High School Structure in Denmark (00:14:26) Michael explains the schooling structure, including high school and vocational training paths.
• Career Path in Automotive for Danish Students (00:15:27) Michael describes the four-year training program for students pursuing automotive careers in Denmark.
• Challenges in Automotive Education (00:17:58) Discussion on why students lack education post-high school and the need for vocational training.
• Internships and Apprenticeships (00:21:42) Exploration of internships as a result of vocational training and the potential for hands-on experience.
• Industry Support for Education (00:22:07) Discussion on how companies, like Nissen’s, support educational institutions continuously rather than temporarily.
• Transactional Nature of U.S. Education (00:23:32) Critique of the transactional approach in U.S. automotive education versus long-term support seen in other countries.
• Instructor Education and Training (00:24:20) Concerns about how current instructors in the U.S. are educated and the validity of their training sources.
• Curriculum Changes in Colleges (00:27:36) Changes at a college level to improve student outcomes by replacing traditional subjects with lab-focused learning.
• Differences Between AAS and AOS Degrees (00:29:49) Comparison of Associates of Applied Science and Associates in Occupational Science degrees and their implications for students.
• Soft Skills in Education (00:32:58) Discussion on the lack of soft skills training in automotive education and its importance for student success.
• Work-Life Balance Discussion (00:36:33) Exploration of communication skills and generational changes impacting work-life balance in the automotive industry.
• Personal Reflection on Travel (00:37:01) Michael shares his journey from extensive travel to prioritizing family time and achieving better work-life balance.
• Content Development in Training (00:38:46) Tanner discusses his experience in content development for training and differences in presentation styles.
• Interactive Learning Approaches (00:40:46) The need for interactive and entertaining training presentations to engage learners effectively.
• Learning Management Systems (00:42:01) Discussion on the advantages of established learning management systems in European training compared to the U.S.
• Corporate Training Consistency (00:43:26) Michael highlights the importance of maintaining consistent training materials across all trainers in his organization.
• Need for Communication Courses (00:45:05) Tanner advocates for incorporating communication courses in automotive education to improve interpersonal skills.
• Real-World Communication Training (00:46:56) Tanner shares insights on practical communication training methods that encourage interaction with strangers.
• Final Thoughts from Michael (00:48:03) Michael encourages ongoing training and education for both students and professionals in the automotive industry.
• Tanner’s Call to Action (00:49:06) Tanner urges educational institutions and companies to collaborate and improve automotive training programs.

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

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