The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the heavy-duty division of the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has announced the second annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) intern program, in partnership with GenNext and Northwood University. Given the success of last year’s 10 interns, more than twice as many have been selected to participate in this year’s program.
“It is a key HDMA strategy to expose millennials to our industry. We have been working for many years with Northwood University to assist us in introducing ambitious, driven, responsible students to our members. We are very happy to be working with the people at Northwood and the GenNext organization on this important program. Our goal is to familiarize bright, young talent with the heavy-duty supplier industry, with the intent of encouraging their interest in the market, while introducing them as interns and potential employment candidates to our members,” said Tim Kraus, president and chief operating officer of HDMA. “We thank our sponsoring companies and organizations for their support.”
The interns will spend the week shadowing their sponsor’s staff and executives during the various elements of HDAW, including the product expo, one-on-one meetings, customer dinners and meetings and a range of duties designed to give them a full and meaningful experience.
The intern sponsor companies are: Alcoa, Bendix, Bergstrom, Carlisle Brake, CVSN, Dana, Dayton Parts, Dorman Products, Grote, HDA Truck Pride, HDMA, Hendrickson, Meritor, MGM Brake, Minimizer, PSI, SAF Holland, Tenneco, VIPAR and ZF Services. Each company sponsorship covers its intern’s airfare, airport transport, hotel stay, meals and HDAD and HDAW registration.
“The Aftermarket Management degree at Northwood University was created to supply the industry with its next generation of leaders. HDAW extends the student’s education by providing real-life conference and trade show work experience while getting to know individual companies. On the flip side, it is the industry’s opportunity to connect with students and their potential next employees. A win-win for all involved,” said Donna Wagner, aftermarket management chair and professor, Northwood University.
Nearly 40 students applied for scholarships to attend the event, and after interviews, 21 were chosen to receive scholarships to attend the conference.
“This program is literally a career catapult for the students who put in the time and effort and I couldn’t be happier to help them out and enhance the heavy-duty industry with highly capable candidates to help fill open positions, ” Steve Hansen, president of GenNext.
“The student internship program gives the Northwood students the most valuable lessons they could learn with real-world experience and hands on projects,” said Nikki Paschall of HDA Truck Pride and board member of GenNext. “We’re ecstatic to be able to bring 21 students to HDAW this year where they will have the opportunity to make professional connections that will not only last a lifetime, but help launch their careers in the heavy-duty aftermarket.”
For more information about the HDAW intern program, visit hdaw.org, or contact Megan Guess of HDMA at [email protected].
