Autotech Recruit has introduced a new pathway for skilled vehicle technicians and MOT testers wanting to try freelancing within the sector, while retaining the security of full-time employment. The cuts to National Insurance contributions for self-employed workers, recently outlined in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, could be a catalyst in helping those, considering becoming freelance, make the transition, according to Autotech.
The 2023 NTDA Tyre Industry Conference was held at the Hilton DoubleTree conference centre with the Stadium MK complex in Milton Keynes ahead of the Tyre Industry Awards on the evening of 19th October 2023. A number in the hundreds gathered for a conference that focused largely on themes of sustainability and stewardship, but also touched on the increasingly important topic of recruitment and retention.
Maverick Diagnostics has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within its organisation, by utilising the partnership created with Automotive 30% Club.
With the automotive sector facing a 20-year high in vacancies, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is aiming to change outdated perceptions “at the heart of the recruitment challenges”. IMI’s “Perceptions” campaign will centre on “real voices telling real stories about their positive career experiences.”
There has been talk about closing the recruitment gap in the automotive aftermarket for years. More recently certain training bodies and associations such as the NTDA have taking significant steps to renew efforts to recruit and upskill the tyre and aftermarket workforce. Now, however, is clear evidence that these much-discussed issues are not just theoretical. Rather, the lack of skill people in the trade is affecting the ability to service already depleted demand, which is hitting profitability even amongst some of the largest, fastest-growing and most profitable tyre-selling businesses.
Halfords Group plc (Halfords)’s third-quarter 2023 trading update for the 13 weeks to 30 December 2022 show that group revenue grew 38.3 per cent and like-for-like group sales were up 12.6 per cent compared with 2020 levels. Other headlines included the news that Halfords’s services business represents 50.3 per cent of group revenue, and B2B, which includes the Avayler system 28.2 per cent. At the same time, Halfords hailed its “strong Commercial Fleet performance”, with this part of the business growing 138 per cent year-on-year. However, the company reduced its full-year 2023 underlying profit before tax (PBT) guidance from £60 million to £50 million.
Recently, several tyre manufacturers have released recruitment information, which is not enough to be strong evidence that China’s tyre industry is gradually recovering. However, the recruitment information shows that some Chinese tyre companies have not hesitated in the challenging environment.
Ten years after its inception, Autotech Recruit has started the new decade by announcing an enhancement to its management team and a company rebrand, which will cement its status as the leading employment solutions provider for the automotive industry.
Norwich-based automotive recruitment specialist Progress Recruitment Solutions (UK) says a recent survey starkly illustrates the challenges many independent garages now face in finding and retaining skilled technicians.
The survey, conducted in conjunction with digital news specialists Garage Wire, gained 80 responses from six simple questions posed to independent garages during October 2018.
Norwich-based automotive recruitment specialist Progress Recruitment Solutions (UK) Ltd has launched new skills training aimed at both sales and aftersales professionals.
Aimed at increasing sales and improving profits, the six courses include ‘Excellence In Aftersales’, ‘Finance and Insurance IMI Accreditation’ and ‘IMI Quality Assured Vehicle Management’.
Progress Recruitment Solutions, the Norwich-based automotive recruitment specialist, has recently extended their head office in Norwich to accommodate their growing team.
Federal-Mogul Motorparts has expanded its European Graduate Program, providing top graduates with the chance to develop careers in multiple sectors. Ten positions are available, spanning six countries and covering specialties in business areas from engineering and research and development, to logistics and finance.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed automotive recruitment specialist Autotech Recruit to its membership.
Bridgestone Europe has announced plans to hire multiple engineers in the coming months at its European Technical Centre (TCE) near Rome. This is part of an investment plan to expand Bridgestone’s business in Europe.
The company is targeting engineers with a range of different experience levels, from recent graduates to experienced individuals. Their role will involve designing and developing innovative products which will improve tyre performance on all types of road and in all types of climate.
Apollo Tyres has announced details of its recruitment drive in Hungary for its soon to be built Greenfield facility at Gyöngyöshalász. Apollo plans to appoint 100 technicians and fresh graduate engineers soon, with a second drive to recruit a further 150 people in the second half of 2015. Although production will only start at the beginning of 2017, the first batch of employees for the Hungarian factory will be contracted in the beginning of July 2015. Besides technicians and engineers, the company is also seeking applications for various functional areas including administration and logistics.
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Cytonn Photography; Unsplash
Halfords
Halfords
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