Parts Alliance calls for support of automotive training

Automotive business group, The Parts Alliance used the event of National Apprentice Week (6-13 February) to call for the UK automotive aftermarket to increase its support of training and apprenticeships. “The best investment our industry can commit to, alongside the best equipment, is training,” said Mike Smallbone, The Parts Alliance, garage programme manager.

“Recent studies, carried out by The Institute of Motor Industry and Parts Alliance member, Allparts with University of Leicester, have shown that the benefits are two fold and training can increase the bottom line.”

Throughout the survey period, Allparts’ advanced ATA-accredited parts advisor skills scheme saw the number of returned parts reduce, suggesting that workshops were more likely to source and select the right part, first time. The survey also revealed a return on investment of 98-187 per cent, as technicians gained improved knowledge, professional status and customer confidence, as they could talk more competently about the work being carried out.

“With ever changing policy and legislation, advanced vehicle technology and new developments,  it is essential that we look to assist our garage customers  by up-skilling their staff and invest in the future of  their workforce and businesses by championing apprentices,” concluded Smallbone.

Members’ training centre

Mill Autoquip, a member of The Parts Alliance, recently opened its new training centre in Pool, Redruth, which will become the company’s second Maps Technical Training centre. The new facility is fully equipped with the latest technology, diagnostic and service repair tools, and provides a real life workshop environment for technicians.

“We recognise that our rapidly changing industry is becoming ever more sophisticated and technology used on tomorrow’s vehicles will not be the same as those used today. We wanted to make learning a pleasure and encourage technicians and apprentices to work towards new qualifications and gain the knowledge required to service and maintain modern vehicles,” said Glenn cutter technical training manager Mill Autoquip.

Each of the ten members of The Parts Alliance offer a range of courses covering all aspects of car technology from air conditioning service and repair to diagnostics. The courses take place throughout the UK and are industry accredited.

The Parts Alliance Garage Programme also offers a dedicated apprentice programme in partnership with the UK’s leading provider of automotive apprenticeships, ProVQ. The programme ensures apprentices are productive from the outset and the course material is compliant with Institute of Motor Industry awards (IMI).