The Year in Review – A Look at the Top 10 News Stories of 2004
Whether you believe 2004 was a good or bad year for the aftermarket, no one can argue this was a big news year for our industry. The year included noteworthy shifts in leadership, mergers, acquisitions and more, most of which will significantly impact the industry for many years to come. Here’s a month-by-month look at what aftermarketNews.com considers to be biggest news events that happened in our industry in 2004.
Need for Auto Technicians Fuels New SMCC Program
The two-year automotive degree program at Southern Maine Technical College seemed beyond repair in 2002, when school administrators suspended it. Automotive instructors at the South Portland college were retiring. Most high schools had better equipment than the gear at SMTC, and the college faced budget constraints.
Herman Trend Alert: Women will be More Desirable in the Workplace
More women are pursuing careers than ever before in history. Throughout the world, women are gaining more education, deeper wisdom and higher effectiveness than in previous generations. They compete successfully with men and, in many cases, prove their superiority. Increasing demand for highly competent women — as leaders, as professionals who can be counted on to get things done — will drive significant changes. Gender compensation equity is the easy response. Other changes require more creativity.
Job Lessons Include Downsizing; Participation in State Youth Apprentice Program Drops After Funding Is Cut
For 17-year-old Mark Olsen, Gordon’s No. 1 Wheel Service in Franklin is not just a place to work after school.As an auto technician in training, it’s an extension of his automotive studies at Greendale High School and a pathway to a career.
Herman Trend Alert: The Great Mismatch
Higher education has become more accessible to students in developed countries around the world. A university degree has gained status as a means of entry into more highly regarded careers. Families at all socioeconomic levels now strongly encourage their youth to attend 4-year colleges and universities, as well as to pursue graduate degrees. In many cases, the parents sacrifice so their children can attain levels of education beyond what had been achieved in the family before.
Twenty University of the Aftermarket Classes Available Online
Committed to offering professional development opportunities to its members, Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket has announced that members can take classes online at any time of day or night. Twenty courses are now available — from programs designed to introduce new hires to the complex automotive aftermarket industry to courses on improving management, supervision and leadership skills. All of the online courses qualify for University of the Aftermarket continuing education credits (CEU).
Car Care Council Women’s Board Announces Winners of the Automotive Communications Awards
The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) has announced the winners of the new Automotive Communications Awards (ACA). The awards were presented during the Women’s Board reception on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, during AAPEX. The Automotive Communications Awards recognize companies/agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and PR efforts. The business-to-consumer awards have 14 categories for entry targeted to women, including car care clinics and direct mail piece or campaign/newsletter. The business-to-business awards consist of 21 categories with such options as logo design and special promotions and promotional events/trade show.
Lowe’s Knows!
As a homeowner, I spend a fair amount of time and money at my local Lowe’s store. I go there for just about all of my house-fixing projects: paint, light bulbs, tools, etc. I choose Lowe’s because I find their employees to be knowledgeable, and they have what I need (sound familiar?).
Gateway, Snap-on Receive Auto Technician Grant; Money Is Part of U.S. Effort to Boost Mechanic Industry
Gateway Technical College and Snap-on Inc. received a $900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Wednesday as part of a nationwide effort to develop programs to increase the number of automotive technicians. The money will be used to develop a Web-based tutorial for more than 500 secondary and post-secondary instructors and schools attempting to get nationally certified.
It’s Not Your Father’s Vo-tech – Warwick, RI, Area Career & Technical Center Named Nation’s Best
Many high school seniors worry about what they will do after graduation. But thanks to a school program and a mentorship, Jason Marley, a senior at Warwick Veterans Memorial High in Rhode Island, already has a job. Marley is one of 45 students in the Warwick Area Career & Technical Center’s automotive training program. This past summer, the 17-year-old student started working under a mentor at Bald Hill Subaru, repairing cars.