Automotive training and equipment provider AECS is all about delivering service and technical support for those in need.
The organisation has been running for close to 20 years with its headquarters in Hastings and a team of nine serving between Auckland, Northland and the South Island.
It also provides training seminars with an experienced team on-hand for solving complex problems on everything from heavy diesel to electric vehicles.
AECS spokesperson Mark Thompson says helping people with technical issues is one part of the job but inspiring people who are “passionate about what they do in the automotive industry” is another important factor.
There are many professionals in the trade who are constantly eager to learn more and that’s where AECS provides a valuable service, he says.
“Two essential elements that we have, and will continue to work from, is passion and having our people’s and customers’ interests at heart.
“We’ve found people often don’t succeed in their career, not because they don’t have talent or skill, but they haven’t received the proper training and gained the necessary knowledge.
“What our people love about our training is that it’s easy to learn and is always fun, with lots of practical applications including, what we call in this day and age, ‘life hacks’.
“Our trainers share freely their wealth of experience that can be applied straight to workshop situations.
“We’ve even taken things to extremes by building vehicle simulators [the full electronic system of a vehicle in a box] so that it can be used anywhere for practical applications as part of our training.
“Even if you have had an extensive career in the industry you need to keep growing.
The simple fact is, unless you learn beyond what you’ve already mastered you will never grow.
“One thing that has been of help to many is our training pathway, this can really help with next steps to further your training and career,” Thompson says.
At the start of 2019, AECS made a strategical decision to get out to the towns and cities to spend more time with people working in the automotive industry through a series of roadshows.
As well as being able to listen to customers and get an understanding of their needs, it gives the organisation a chance to share the latest technology at the forefront of the industry.
Feedback from the roadshow initiative has been very positive and helps ease the pressures of running a workshop and business in the transport sector.
“For many who have come to our roadshows, it has been a breath of fresh air, knowing someone is like-minded and understands you.This has also gone both ways, it has also included comments such as, ‘I never knew that about AECS’ or ‘I didn’t realise you did that’.We plan on bringing a different perspective again to our 2020 roadshow.”
Other feedback from the roadshows includes the importance of on-going technical support after the purchase of new equipment.
Thompson says there are examples of workshops and individuals that have been let down after purchasing gear from an equipment or spare parts provider.
“When the workshop needed help with something as simple as training on new equipment or a simple issue, they were nowhere to be found.”
This hammers home the message that building long-term customer relationships is critical for the industry, he says.
*For more information on AECS email mark@aecs.net or phone 06 874 9077.
