MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Training Council Hosts Successful Inaugural Meeting

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Training Council held its inaugural meeting on February 26, 2025, bringing together industry leaders committed to advancing training and education for automotive aftermarket professionals. The virtual meeting set a strong foundation for the council's mission, focusing on best practices in training delivery, market research and the continued development of the Tech Training Hub by MEMA.

The meeting provided attendees with insights into the Council's charter, mission and strategic priorities. It featured thought-provoking presentations from leading voices in automotive training and certification, including:

• Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE, shared insights into the future of testing and certifications.

• Matt Johnston, division head of commercial solutions at Design Interactive, showcased how eXtended Reality is delivering training courses and content to the commercial and automotive vehicle markets.

• Matthias Stoever, CEO of RockED, explored the shift from traditional training to performance development, highlighting cutting-edge, technology-driven approaches that could benefit the independent aftermarket.

The Training Council provides a vital forum for training providers, consultants, research firms and suppliers to collaborate on advancing education in the automotive aftermarket. Council members benefit from exclusive networking opportunities, access to research reports and discounts on Tech Training Hub participation, among other advantages.

"The launch of the Training Council is a significant step forward in our industry's commitment to enhancing training accessibility and effectiveness," said Jim Fish, Training Council lead. "Through collaboration, research and the Tech Training Hub, we're empowering automotive professionals with the resources they need to succeed while strengthening the entire aftermarket ecosystem."

The Tech Training Hub by MEMA, a key initiative under the Council's oversight, also was a focal point of discussion. The hub serves as a centralized resource for professionals to discover training opportunities based on ASE certification test, keyword, date or MEMA member offerings. It enhances career development for repair professionals while offering MEMA members increased visibility for their training programs and expanded brand exposure.

Following the success of this first meeting, the Training Council will continue to meet quarterly throughout 2025, with upcoming meeting dates set for May 15, September 24 and December 4. The May 15 meeting will be held in Metro Detroit at the Garage Gurus facility where attendees will hear from college professors training the technicians of the future, learn how Caliber’s Technician Apprentice Program has graduated over 2,000 technicians and see best-in-class training content creation from AutoNetTV.

For more information about the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Training Council, visit mema.org/training-council. For more information about the Tech Training Hub by MEMA, visit mema.org/tech-training-hub.

About the Training Council

The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Training Council is dedicated to advancing training excellence in the automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket. The Council brings together training providers, consultants, research firms and suppliers to collaborate on best practices, industry research and the development of innovative training solutions. A key focus is overseeing the Tech Training Hub by MEMA, a centralized platform designed to connect service professionals with top-tier training content/courses. Through networking, research and knowledge-sharing, the council empowers the aftermarket workforce with the skills needed to succeed in an evolving industry. Learn more at mema.org/training-council.

About the Tech Training Hub by MEMA

The Tech Training Hub by MEMA is a cutting-edge platform that connects automotive and heavy-duty service professionals, service advisors and shop owners with top-tier training programs from industry leaders. Developed by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the Hub serves as a centralized resource where users can search for training by ASE certification test, keyword, date or MEMA member offerings. By providing easy access to high-quality training, the Tech Training Hub helps professionals enhance their skills, prepare for certifications and advance their careers. MEMA members benefit from increased visibility, expanded brand exposure and greater engagement with the repair community. Learn more at mema.org/tech-training-hub.

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports over 900,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a recognized industry change agent—promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues, and serving as a valued resource for member companies. Members represent all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a membership group within MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

MEMA is the leading North American trade association for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.
 
Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society's transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.