A full crowd gathered for the 2024 running of this popular event at the Automotive Business School of Canada.

On November 20, the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), hosted its annual Student Aftermarket Day at the Automotive Business School of Canada, on Georgian College’s Barrie Campus.

Student Aftermarket Day provides an opportunity for those enrolled in the ABSC diploma and degree programs, the opportunity to learn about the aftermarket auto care sector and the career opportunities available in this vibrant and growing industry.

In a room that was packed with attendees, AIA Canada Young Professionals in Auto Care (YPA) Vice Chair Kari Hann, introduced the event and lined out the day’s schedule.

Industry overview

AIA Canada President Jean-Francois Champagne, then followed by delivering an overview of today’s aftermarket auto care sector in Canada. This interactive session provided the audience with a range of questions. The objective was to gauge the understanding of the aftermarket among those students in attendance and see if they had already considered a potential career in the sector.

Champagne presented the audience with some eye-opening facts, namely that the aftermarket contributes more than $43 billion annually to the Canadian economy, double that provided by new vehicle sales and manufacturing. Additionally, he acknowledged the resiliency of the sector, particularly through the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic when it was declared an essential service and how, amid all the economic volatility and uncertainty we’ve been experiencing in the last few years, the outlook for the aftermarket remains healthy and strong.

Champagne noted that a key factor driving success and growth in the aftermarket boils down to its business model, servicing and maintaining an aging vehicle fleet. He pointed out that the average age of a passenger vehicle on Canadian roads is now 10 years old, far past its new vehicle warranty period. And with 28 million vehicles in operation today, most of which are more than three years old, there is a huge opportunity to service and maintain them.

Different facets

Champagne talked about the different facets to the aftermarket sector—from the manufacturers of new and remanufactured replacement parts and solutions—to Warehouse Distributors and Jobber Stores, that supply them, to the independent garages and workshops that receive them and install them as part of the vehicle service and repair solutions they provide to their customer, the motorist.

Champagne also provided insight into the marvel that is the modern automotive aftermarket supply chain. “As a customer, when you take your vehicle to the service centre, if your vehicle needs a part, it can be delivered in 20 minutes—how often do you really think about that?”

He talked about not only about the opportunities on the mechanical side, but also collision and glass, which increasingly are becoming interconnected, giving young people greater scope when it comes to embarking on a rewarding career within one of Canada’s most vital industries.

Winning presentation

A key part of Student Aftermarket Day are the presentations put forward by students, that focus on providing new ideas and solutions for the industry. Some great concepts were shared with the audience this year, and the winning group of Kate Loline Antioquia, Dilini Kirtisinghe and Gabrion Tulang, deservedly took home the award for their outstanding presentation on Mobile Tire Repair Service—creating an experience that’s designed to enhance customer convenience and satisfaction.

Following on from the onsite career showcase, where students got a chance to meet representatives from prominent organizations within the aftermarket auto care sector, plus a luncheon, attendees got to hear from ASBC alumni who have forged successful careers in the industry.

Assembled for the panel discussion were ASBC Alumni Vincent Montemarano and Mark Potts, both from DRiV, and Trevor Mold from Dayco. Moderating the discussion was Patrick Verriet from Mann+Hummel and current AIA Canada Young Professionals in Autocare (YPA) Chair.

Valuing co-ops

The panelists discussed their own experiences embarking upon a career in the automotive aftermarket. Vincent Montemarano stressed the importance for students to make the most of their co-ops and learn as much as they can during these workplace stints. “It’s important to put your best foot forward and build relationships,” he stressed.

Trevor Mold said that his passion for cars is what drove him to pursue a career in this field and that he saw opportunities for him that weren’t evident if he had gone the traditional route into the dealership world.

Mark Potts said that in graduating from ASBC and venturing out into the world, he was lucky in having a great mentor when he joined DRiV (Tenneco), Dean Clarke. Potts recalled how a chance meeting with Clarke at an event like this led to some amazing opportunities and a steady career progression where he took on ever more senior roles.

The panelists also stressed the importance of continuously learning and leveraging networking and social gatherings as much as possible, since they can not only provide the opportunity to generate lasting relationships within the industry but also access to people who are willing to share their experiences and nuggets for the betterment of the industry.

“Even though we are all here as competitors,” explained Verriet, being open to new ideas and opportunities is critical. “Be open, ask questions and explore your curiosity,” he said. “Do your research on our businesses and on our industry.” 

Patience and persistence

Each of the panelists also talked about the need to practice patience and persistence and that doing so will lead to greater success and opportunities. Even though they themselves weren’t considered sales professionals when they first joined their respective organizations, by listening, learning and being willing to try new things, they grew into very successful roles and represent the next generation of leaders in auto care.

The final session of the day came from Stephanie Cooney-Mann at UAP/NAPA. This one was packed full of nuggets as Cooney-Mann provided an overview of her background and career progression as well as providing advice to those students in attendance. She talked about the importance of goal setting and that accomplishing these goals takes time “you’re in a marathon, not a sprint,” she said.

Light bulb learner

Cooney-Mann also stressed the importance of being a “light-bulb learner,” and that it’s important to be outgoing and willing to start conversations with others, particularly when you’re just starting out. She noted that the idea of your network being your net worth cannot be stressed enough and that building relationships, through conferences, networking events, co-op programs and even via social media networks such as LinkedIn are hugely integral to career success.

“If you focus on maintaining and growing those relationships, doors will open for you,” she said. “Don’t underestimate the power of your network.”