An eager but patient queue of technicians and workshop owners could be seen snaking out of the doors of Basingstoke College of Technology 20 minutes before the official registration time on Saturday, as Schaeffler held its latest REPXPERT Academy LIVE event – the first of 2020.
In collaboration with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), plus guest exhibitors, Laser Tools and TechMan, more than 70 technicians sampled the latest Schaeffler technical training modules, covering timing belt drive best practice, an introduction to double clutch repairs and modern thermal management systems.
Hayley Pells, owner of Automechanika Garage Of The Year, Avia Sports Cars, was full of praise for the training day: “I am a strong advocate of the need to normalise continuous professional development (CPD), and I was not alone with my attitude, judging by the strong visitor numbers and the quality of the training seminars provided at REPXPERT Academy LIVE.
Thermal management systems
“I was particularly intrigued by Alistair Mason’s lecture on thermal management systems.
“I was surprised by the number of seemingly retro ideas that were employed to create elegant solutions to the age-old quandary of the nuisance of heat and how this affects power.
“Coupled with the particularly hot topic, emissions standards and how to meet them whilst not compromising the motorist’s experience, has led to some cooling systems utilising solenoids and vacuums integrated with signals from the accelerator – enabling, as one delegate summarised, to ‘dump the pump’ when a demand for hard acceleration was introduced.
“I am quite comfortable with the idea of solenoids, and Alistair’s fault-finding tips for these systems were easy to understand.
“The REPXPERT platform is an enormously useful tool, but nothing compares to the opportunity to hear the information straight from the experts, to see and handle the components, and ask questions ensuring a full understanding is achieved – I would highly recommend attending REPXPERT Academy LIVE.”
The Garage Inspector
REPXPERT brand ambassador, Andy Savva, was also in attendance, as he presented a business seminar.
The Garage Inspector, who is a former workshop owner and now aftermarket commentator, delivered a session on how workshop owners can ‘empower their business’.
DMG Autocare Owner, Dean Peters, was one of the attendees, and he was particularly impressed with Andy’s delivery: “REPXPERT Academy LIVE was a very well organised event that was compact enough for some great interaction but big enough to have plenty going on and lots of information available.
“The sessions were full of content and Andy Savva, in particular, gave me a lot of information that gives me a lot to think about when looking to move my business forward.
“I can see REPXPERT Academy LIVE growing into a sought-after event, complemented by the fact it is free-of-charge.
“I’ve never attended an event as good as this for free.”
At the conclusion of the day, there was a draw for a variety of prizes: IMI veteran, Glyn Watkins, can now sit in both style and comfort after winning the star prize, a rally-style office chair, courtesy of Laser Tools.
Rob Obourne walked away with a Schaeffler IMI double clutch training day, including achievement certificate and IMI affiliate membership, worth £175, while Dave Ashby, of A.N.D. Autos, was the recipient of a Leatherman Wingman multi-tool after posting the best score during the INA torque challenge.
Future events
The next event will be held in May, at a venue to be confirmed, where yet more technicians and workshop owners will be offered the opportunity to absorb the very latest in technology and innovation from Schaeffler, and to enjoy the whole REPXPERT Academy LIVE experience.
Numbers are limited so technicians are urged to register for a ticket as soon as full details of the event are released.
For further information about REPXPERT, select ‘more details’ below.