BCA Bearings Launches BCA in the Bay Training Program

NTN, the parent company of BCA Bearings, has launched its BCA in the Bay Technician Training Program, a nationwide initiative that delivers hands-on technical training directly to professional automotive repair facilities. Building on a successful soft launch and growing industry demand, BCA in the Bay delivers practical, real-world instruction focused on bearing diagnostics, wheel-end service procedures, installation best practices, and troubleshooting techniques. The program reflects BCA Bearings' ongoing commitment to supporting the technicians who install and recommend its products every day.

"The BCA in the Bay program allows us to connect directly with technicians where they work, helping them solve real-world service challenges while reinforcing the importance of proper wheel-end diagnosis and repair," said Charles Harris, vice president of automotive aftermarket for NTN Bearing Corporation of America. “This program is about more than training. It's about building relationships, sharing expertise, and demonstrating BCA's commitment to the professional technician.”

At the heart of the program are regional technical trainers who travel throughout North America, conducting on-site training sessions for repair shops, distributors, and automotive service professionals. These trainers not only deliver the training but also develop and continually refine the curriculum, ensuring content remains relevant, practical, and aligned with the evolving needs of today's technicians.

Each trainer operates a fully wrapped and specially outfitted BCA in the Bay training van, creating a mobile classroom capable of delivering engaging, hands-on educational experiences directly at customer locations. The vehicles also enhance BCA brand visibility throughout the aftermarket, reinforcing the program's presence in the communities and markets it serves.

Training sessions are offered in multiple formats, including hands-on demonstrations, classroom-style instruction, lunch-and-learn programs, and after-hours workshops. Course content covers bearing fundamentals, bearing failure analysis, diagnostic procedures, NVH troubleshooting, proper removal and installation techniques, and best practices designed to reduce comebacks and improve vehicle reliability.

The BCA in the Bay curriculum is designed for technicians, service advisors, service managers, and parts professionals seeking a deeper understanding of wheel-end systems and the factors that impact vehicle performance and repair quality. Training participants gain practical knowledge they can immediately apply in the service bay to improve diagnostic accuracy, increase productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction.

The Experts Behind the Program

The BCA in the Bay program is led by a team of veteran technical trainers with more than 90 years of combined experience in automotive diagnostics, repair, technical education, and shop operations. Art Robinson, technical trainer for the western region, brings more than 20 years of automotive experience as an ASE Master-Certified Automotive and Diesel Technician. A Ford FACT graduate and former Ford/Lincoln Technical Trainer, Robinson specializes in wheel bearing and hub diagnostics, installation, and failure prevention, delivering practical, shop-focused training technicians can immediately apply.

George Gillespie, technical trainer for the Central Region, has more than 30 years of experience in automotive repair, shop management, parts operations, and technical training. His programs focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, repair quality, safety, and technician performance while helping service teams operate more efficiently.

Paul Plahn, technical trainer for the Eastern Region, brings more than 40 years of experience in diagnostics, repair, leadership, and technical education. An ASE and OEM Master Technician, Plahn has spent more than two decades developing and delivering training for manufacturers, dealerships, and aftermarket organizations, helping technicians improve diagnostic accuracy and real-world repair outcomes.

Beyond delivering training, the team serves as a direct connection between the field and the BCA brand. Through their regular interactions with technicians, shop owners, and distributor partners, they gather valuable feedback, product insights, and field intelligence from across North America.

This continuous exchange of information helps BCA identify emerging industry trends, better understand the challenges facing repair professionals, strengthen technical support resources, and ensure future training content addresses real-world service issues. By combining education with active field engagement, BCA's trainers serve not only as instructors, but also as trusted technical resources and advocates for the professional technician.

The program has already generated significant industry recognition. In 2026, the BCA in the Bay logo received the Auto Care Association Marketing & Communications Award for Best Logo Design/Usage. The award-winning design draws inspiration from classic automotive badges, vintage shop patches, and Americana styling, creating a distinctive visual identity that resonates with professional technicians and reinforces BCA's heritage in the automotive aftermarket.

As the program continues to expand, BCA Bearings will bring additional training opportunities to service centers, distributor locations, trade events, and industry gatherings throughout North America, further extending its commitment to technician education and support.

"Technicians are at the center of everything we do," added Harris. “BCA in the Bay gives us the opportunity to deliver valuable technical education while strengthening the connection between our brand and the professionals who keep vehicles safely on the road.”

Repair shops interested in hosting a BCA in the Bay training session can learn more and submit a training request at bcabearings.com/technical-resources/training.