Kwik-Fit Training Awarded Beacon Status

Kwik-Fit has announced that it has been awarded the highly acclaimed Beacon status from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) for its further education training programmes.

The award was given following a successful Ofsted inspection in which the automotive repair company’s effectiveness, quality, leadership and management for its Train to Gain and Work-Based Learning programmes were graded ‘outstanding’.

The award, which was presented by Siôn Simon, Minister for Further Education, sees Kwik-Fit join an established list of 140 fellow Beacons across the country, from the further education and skills sectors. Paul Binks, Head of Learning & Development, Kwik-fit, comments: “We are truly delighted to receive the accolade of Beacon status from LSIS. It further underlines our commitment to provide our staff with the very best onsite and classroom training so they can in turn offer our customers a first class service.

“The award requires Beacons to work closely with LSIS, and to share their expertise and good practice with the rest of the learning and skills sector. We look forward to partaking in such occasions in the near future.”

Siôn Simon said: “This is an outstanding achievement. In today’s economic climate, the more we can all do to promote and celebrate the excellence that exists in further education and skills, the better.”

Currently Kwik-Fit has 273 employees on its Train to Gain programme, where on completion they receive an NVQ Level 2 in motor vehicle fast-fit. The company also has 170 apprentices on its Work-Based Learning training programmes, in which trainees can look to achieve middle and higher management roles after completion.

Training is carried out both in-centre and in the classroom. In-centre, skilled fitters guide apprentices in a real working environment, while offsite they attend classroom and workshop sessions at Kwik-Fit’s dedicated training facilities in Derby, Harlow and Gloucester, all of which are equipped with modern vehicle and training rigs.