Moving forward with AERA’s Online and Hands-on Training Programs
By Rob Munro
Engine technology is changing at lightning speeds and so is the training needed to stay ahead. As the preeminent technical resource and industry voice for internal combustion engine builders, remanufacturers, machine shops, OEMs, suppliers, and service providers worldwide, it only makes sense that AERA continues leading the path for engine machinist training and certification.
With over 2900 students that have been enrolled in our online program since its inception, AERA is committed to continue investing into education for engine machinist technical training; we are in it for the long haul. With that being said, we are very excited to announce that our online training program has been completely updated. Students who register for the course later this spring will not only see a completely new training book, but they will also login to a fresh look online.
Read this article with all images in the digital issue of Engine Professional magazine https://engineprofessional.com/2024EPQ2/#p=74
A huge part of the success for the AERA program centers around the industry’s leading technical training manual; Automotive Machining and Engine Repair written by Gary Lewis. This book has become the staple for engine machinist training and AERA is proud to own the rights to the book to continue its legacy. With the help of expert engine builder and industry veteran author Mike Mavrigian, you will find over 1000 new color photos, updated training material, as well as all new test questions in the new book that will help push our future machinists to the next level. AERA looks forward to continue to work closely with trade schools, as well as a new segment of our reach with the homeschool audience.
Our goal with all these updates was to not only cover the basics of engine rebuilding, but to give students the training needed to hit the ground running when they step into the modernized shop. Here is a sample of some of the new course topics: surface finish testing, engine balancing, sonic testing, clamping force technology, variable valve theory including DOD lifter systems, CNC machining techniques, performance machining and assembly, and a large emphasis on measuring and quality control.
Now, if that wasn’t enough to look forward to, AERA is also proud to announce that we have put together a 3-day hands-on training program working in conjunction with Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California. AERA recognizes that there has been a large void for this kind of training, and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to work with Bakersfield College on this new venture. I’ve had the chance to tour the shop at Bakersfield College and it is a first-class, modern facility. Professor of Automotive Technology Vic Posey has laid out a cylinder head machining course that allows students a chance to dive right in and get their hands dirty. The training task list would include topics such as cleaning, measuring, disassembly, crack checking, valve guide sizing and replacement, valve seat reconditioning, crack repair, thread repair, resurfacing, straightening, and assembly.
The 3-day course is set up to run Tuesday through Thursday allowing for travel days on Monday and Friday, with the typical day running from 8am to 5pm. Class sizes will be small so that students can get the training they deserve, and AERA is putting together a list of hotels and transportation options close to the school to make your stay worry-free. This course will be perfect for the apprentice machinist at the shop who is looking to move up to the cylinder head department, or for students who have graduated from our Online Engine Machinist program who want to get some hands-on experience before they enter our industry. AERA is currently finalizing some of the small details and is looking forward to the first hands-on course later this summer. Keep an eye on our website for dates and more information by going to www.aera.org.
As you can see, AERA takes engine machinist training seriously. Engine machining, repair, and assembly are specialized skills that require both on-the-job and theory-based training to succeed. The demand for skilled tradespeople is at an all-time high, and this is particularly true in the engine building industry. Currently, skilled machinists can often choose their place of employment while earning better than average salaries. If you have been considering a career as an engine builder, now is the time to get trained. With both online and hands-on training options available, what are you waiting for?
Read this article with all images in the digital issue of Engine Professional magazine https://engineprofessional.com/2024EPQ2/#p=74