AAAA News

The next generation of automotive technicians will go head-to-head at the upcoming Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo for an exciting new Flying Spanners competition.

The Flying Spanners competition will add an exciting new dimension to Australia’s largest industry event which takes place 11 – 13 April in Melbourne, to help encourage and promote the future of the automotive industry. 

The competition will involve 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 AAAExpo 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,” AAAA Director of Membership, Marketing and Events, Tiffany Conway said.

“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 2024 AAAExpo 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,” Kangan Institute Manager of Commercial Vehicle and Engine Technology, Gavin Cribb, said.

“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 Expo 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 $25B automotive repair and service industry,” said Tiffany.  

“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.”

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.

Combined with the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards banquet and breakfast, networking events, an extensive technical training and business education program, vehicle display area, celebrity appearances and competitions, the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will be an unmissable three-day industry experience.

The Auto Aftermarket Expo is proudly sponsored by Repco, and will take place 11 – 13 April, 2024 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. More information and tickets are available at www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au