Support for 18 to 21-year-olds in education and employment through a proposed government Youth Guarantee could help alleviate the skills crisis in the automotive aftermarket according to Easy2Recruit. However, the agency helping garages hire overseas talent believes industry backing will be crucial for this to make a difference to the ongoing skills crisis affecting the garage sector.
Lighting manufacturer OSRAM recently offered training and advice to apprentices at North London Garages GTA. With apprentices being a significant part of the future of the automotive aftermarket, OSRAM is dedicated to assisting in their education, which is why representatives from the business recently conducted a training session for 32 apprentices.
Following success throughout 2024, Cleevely Group has announced that its highly acclaimed ‘At Ease With EV’ training courses are set to return in 2025. Aimed at garage owners and technicians with IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications, the exclusive course offers a unique opportunity to build the confidence and skills needed to tackle the growing demand for EV servicing and repairs.
The first episode of the Repxpert Wrenches and Wisdom video series has been released across Schaeffler’s social media channels. The six-minute film, shot at the live launch event held in September at the North London Garages Group Training Association (NLGGTA) HQ in Enfield, features an array of famous industry faces and sets the scene for the whole campaign.
An analysis by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) highlights “a postcode lottery for EV skills” across the UK, the Institute says. The IMI’s latest EV TechSafe certification data shows that 58,800 technicians are now qualified to work on electric vehicles, representing 24 per cent of the UK automotive workforce. Based on the forecast increase in EVs on UK roads, the IMI is currently predicting a shortfall of 3,000 technicians by 2031. The gap is expected to reach 16,000 by 2035.
Prometeon Tyre Group will hand a UK debut to its first Prometeon-branded premium tyres at this year’s Road Transport Expo (Hall 2A, Stand GR38 at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire; 4-6 June 2024). Ali Yilmaz, Prometeon managing director UK, Ireland and Nordics, comments: “RTX 2024 is the perfect platform for the UK debut of the first of our new Prometeon-branded premium tyres. We are proud of our heritage and the evolution to Prometeon-branded products is an historical moment for the Group.”
Schaeffler’s upcoming Repxpert 2CT training course is scheduled to take place on 16-17 July at the South Devon College Skills Academy in Newton Abbot, Devon. The two-day course combines theory with hands-on practice to equip technicians with the confidence and repair solutions needed to efficiently undertake VW double clutch system repairs.
Time is running out for garages to nominate candidates for the first-ever Repxpert Awards, which will feature during Schaeffler’s brand new national Repxpert Conference. Garages have until Friday, 10 May to put forward potential candidates for the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and the ‘Extra Mile’ awards.
The automotive industry’s need for vehicle technician training is becoming increasingly crucial with the increasing electrification and diversity of cars on UK roads. ZF Aftermarket says the significance of keeping up with the latest advancements led it to develop its [pro]Service offering tailored to the specific needs of commercial vehicle (CV) workshops.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) “enthusiastically welcomes” the recent announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office unveiling a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening small businesses across the UK. The IGA notes with satisfaction that concerns previously expressed to MP Robert Halfron, minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, have been addressed in the recent announcement and commends the government’s commitment to fostering apprenticeships and reducing regulatory burdens, recognising the significant positive impact these measures will have on the automotive sector.
Arnold Clark Autoparts recently hosted a technical training evening at the GTG Training Centre in Wolverhampton to offer garages technical expertise, networking opportunities and industry knowledge from leading suppliers and organisations. Speakers included Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), as the voice of the motor industry. Field delivered an update on current affairs affecting garage businesses and other pressing issues such as 2035 ban, the right to repair and MOT changes.
Delphi is set to give away six IMI electric and hybrid vehicle technician qualifications to deserving ex-military and serving personnel. It comes as figures show homelessness among military veterans in England has risen by 14 per cent in the last year. Recognising the dedication and sacrifices made by those who’ve served, the new initiative from Delphi Academy aims to equip the most-deserving veterans with in-demand skills. “As a proud veteran who served 10 years in the Royal Air Force, I’ve experienced first-hand the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life,” said Luke Garratt, UK technical services manager at Delphi. “Through this campaign, we’re offering a lifeline to a promising future in the automotive industry. With the world’s focus shifting towards electric, these skills will open the doors to an exciting new career.”
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has reminded MOT testers that they must take their Annual Assessment before the 31 March deadline. Testers will face new checks if they miss this deadline. As of 8 January 2024, MOT testers are required to submit a recent basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check if they are “returning after being lapsed or suspended from testing – this includes being suspended for not completing your annual assessment.” The IMI said an estimated 73 per cent had yet to complete their assessment with just two months to go before the deadline.
Automechanika Birmingham and Women Automotive Network will jointly host a free in-person networking drinks reception on Thursday 7 March. The event welcomes all automotive professionals and targets the creation of a support network for women in the industry. The event recognises the need to plug the current skills shortage, showcasing a progressive industry. Forecasts suggest that there will be a significant shortfall in the skills needed to service an evolving car parc, particularly technicians qualified to work safely and competently on electric vehicles. Women remain underrepresented in the sector, with around 19 per cent of roles in the automotive supply chain filled by female workers.
HEVRA has added Dacia to its roster of supported electric vehicle brands, which now covers 40 different electric and hybrid vehicles. The vehicle repair and maintenance information said the addition of Dacia represents “a significant milestone…further enhancing its ability to provide vital information and support to automotive professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.” HEVRA’s database offers technicians the latest repair and maintenance information across a range of 361 models.
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