The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) is dedicated to empowering automotive instructors. As President Drew Barnes puts it, "Really, our mission is simple. We are automotive teachers for automotive teachers." This means providing the ongoing training and resources instructors need to stay current and excel in their roles.

One of these resources, the NACAT Conference, is an annual event uniting automotive educators and professionals from North America. It offers networking, workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, promoting excellence and collaboration in automotive education. This year it will be held June 9-12 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, MI,

In this episode of the T2iQ podcast, Tomorrow's Technician's editor, Doug Kaufman, talks about NACAT's mission and the conference's value with Barnes, who is also an automotive instructor at Vale High School in Vale, Oregon; instructor Krystal Roherty, automotive instructor at Fredericton High School in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; and Heather Sebben, NACAT's business manager. 

Participants stress hat the conference offers more than just training sessions. It provides invaluable networking and collaboration opportunities. The Detroit event will feature keynote speakers from General Motors, a Ford Rouge Factory tour, and the ever-popular valve cover races – all alongside a range of workshops covering the latest automotive advancements. 

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow instructors, learn from leading experts, and elevate your teaching. Visit NACAT to learn more and register for the Detroit conference.

In this episode of Tomorrow's Technician's Partnership Pathways Podcast presented by NAPA, Doug Kaufman speaks with Robert Ballard, automotive instructor at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill.
Ballard has built an impressive automotive program at his high school, as evidenced by his school being named B’laster Products’ Instructor of the Year in 2022 and the WIX School of the Year 
in 2023 – but he is quick to acknowledge that success isn’t due to his efforts alone. He wouldn’t be successful without strong partnerships between community and industry. 
Ballard explains the importance of having a diverse and inclusive advisory board that includes a wide range of industry partners, from small independent shops to dealerships. He says this helps him keep his program up-to-date with the latest industry needs and technologies.
Ballard also discusses his efforts to build diversity in the classroom, with an effort to overcome perceptions of a male-dominated industry. He strives to get more female students involved in automotive, including starting a female-focused lunch-and-learn program and getting Girl Scout troops interested in automotive.
The school's racing program has also been growing, with female students taking an active role in building and racing the cars. 
Ballard credits his strong partnerships with local suppliers, especially NAPA, for helping him overcome challenges in getting the necessary parts and equipment for his program.

On the latest episode of NGK's Shop Squad “Now You Know” podcast, Doug Kaufman interviews Todd Koch, Senior Product Manager at Niterra North America. This episode dives deep into advancements and best practices related to spark plugs and ignition coils, offering valuable insights for professionals in the automotive repair industry.Key Takeaways for Automotive Professionals:

1. The Evolution of Spark Plugs
   • High ignitability spark plugs are crucial for modern, high-pressure engines, ensuring clean and efficient combustion.
   • Pre-gapped high ignitability plugs should not be adjusted. For other plugs, always use proper gapping tools to prevent damage.
   • Over-torquing spark plugs is a common mistake that can lead to cracks. Avoid using anti-seize compounds on NGK plugs to ensure proper installation.
2. The Aftermarket and OE Standards
   • NGK's aftermarket plugs undergo the same rigorous testing as their OE counterparts, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.
   • Todd emphasized the importance of purchasing from authorized dealers to avoid counterfeit products, which can compromise performance and safety.
3. Upgraded Ignition Coils
   • MOD ignition coils from NGK feature enhanced durability with high-temperature materials and tighter windings, making them ideal for high-performance and demanding applications like fleet vehicles and police cruisers.
   • While MOD coils provide added reliability, they are best suited for performance applications rather than standard commuter vehicles.
4. Practical Insights for Repair Shops
   • Educate customers on selecting parts that fit their specific vehicle needs rather than opting for upgrades that may not provide tangible benefits.
   • Stay updated on new product launches, including 82 new ignition coil part numbers Niterra plans to release in the next year.

This episode underscores Niterra’s commitment to innovation and education, empowering automotive professionals to make informed decisions that enhance their service quality. For more technical resources, visit ShopSquadOnline.com.

In this podcast episode, Doug Kaufman and Matthew Bickford, the product manager aftermarket for Niterra Canada, discuss the evolution and importance of oxygen sensors in vehicles. They discuss how oxygen sensors have evolved from single wire sensors to multiple sensors in modern vehicles."

The sensors are primarily used for emissions control and ensuring the vehicle is running properly, Bickford explains. The two discuss the causes of sensor failures, such as wear and tear, environmental impacts and thermal shock.

The conversation touches on the differences between upstream and downstream sensors, the impact of mis-tuned engines on sensors, and the importance of following proper procedures and selecting the right sensors for specific applications. The episode concludes with information on where to find more resources and information on selecting the right products for vehicle applications.

ShopSquad's "Now You Know" podcast is presented by NGK/NTK and Niterra North America.

Wondering "what's next" in an industry full of faced-paced innovation? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about what to expect for the automotive industry as we continue to repurpose old techniques with new technology.

It's not your father's industry anymore, so what does that mean for you? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about what to expect for the expanding automotive industry.

Ready to plan for phase 2 of your career? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about becoming a mentor for future generations, keeping your skills fresh and preparing for growth.

How can you keep up with the incredible pace of change in vehicle technology, keep training fresh, identify good training programs and decide which is right for you? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about the importance of continuing education in the industry and answer questions you may have about your own education.

Experts say it all comes down to supply and demand - if you can supply what's needed, you can demand whatever you want. Experts say an increasingly challenging technician shortage has them worried for the future - are you making the right choices with regard to your career? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about the opportunities – and challenges - that are waiting for tomorrow's technicians.

Chartreuse. Lime. Emerald. Sea Foam. Crocodile. They're all green, but not the same. Greenbacks. Dough. Bucks. Benjamins. Scratch. All money that spends the same but can be earned differently. As a new technician, do you understand the differences in compensation models between flat-rate, hourly, commission, salary, etc.? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow's Technician gets Kyle Thoreen, The Rust Belt Mechanic, to show you the money.