MIDLAND, Mich. (April 16, 2015) — The University of the Aftermarket, an operating unit of Northwood University, has officially opened registration for its next Leadership 2.0 class.

The class begins Aug. 23-28 at the university’s campus in Midland. The second session will be held April 24-29, 2016. Participants must attend both sessions, the university said.

Leadership 2.0 is a post-graduate-style leadership and business skills education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of aftermarket leaders, according to the university. In addition to the two week-long classroom segments — which feature lectures, roundtable discussions, networking sessions and team research and problem-solving activities — participants get to work off-site to develop and present team research projects covering key industry challenges.

Presenters will include leading aftermarket executives as well as faculty from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management. Class size is limited to 40. The university urged anyone interested in taking classes to register early as the class is a sell-out every year.

The program is “designed for early-to-mid-career, management-track, high-potential aftermarket professionals in all market segments,” the university said. Program participants include a mix of aftermarket professionals from manufacturing, retail/wholesale stores, program distribution, warehouses, service dealers, associations and other industry segments allied to the auto care industry. “This collaborative mix of industry levels is unique in the industry and adds to the educational experience,” it added.

Participants receive 7.0 CEUs toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.

The cost of the two-week program is $6,250 and includes tuition, class materials and meals.

For more information contact Brian Cruickshank, director, University of the Aftermarket, Northwood University, at 989-430-7774 or via email at brianc@northwood.edu. Program information and registration details are available on the university’s website (click “Course Calendar”) or call 800-551-2882.

The University of the Aftermarket is an educational alliance with the Auto Care Association, the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association. It provides business, management and leadership education to professionals in the motor vehicle aftermarket through on-line, custom, conference and partnership educational opportunities.

Through these programs, private, nonprofit and accredited Northwood University awards CEU credit that can be applied toward completion of the aftermarket’s Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.