Schaeffler announces IMI approved double clutch system training courses
To give workshops the greatest number of opportunities to take advantage of its market-leading training, Schaeffler has added three new dates to its ever-expanding double clutch training calendar.
· VAG wet and dry double clutch system training
· Clutch, gearbox and mechatronic system technology
· LuK 2CT removal and installation
To give workshops the greatest number of opportunities to take advantage of its market-leading training, Schaeffler has added three new dates to its ever-expanding double clutch training calendar.
Kicking off at the Tool Connection training centre in Southam on the 26th & 27th April, the IMI approved two-day course addresses the design, operation and repair of both the dry and wet clutch systems for all popular Volkswagen Group DSG gearbox applications. It is designed to encourage and empower professional technicians, and the owners of their workshop, to confidently take on semi-automatic double clutch servicing and repair jobs without the need to send them to a ‘specialist’.
The second course takes place at Coleg Sir Gar in Pibwrlwyd, Wales on the 6th & 7th June, and the third back at Tool Connection in Southam on the 7th and 8th November. Two further events and venues are in the pipeline for later in the year, so keep an eye out for subsequent announcements at: www.repxpert.co.uk
“Although the main purpose of the training is to give technicians the knowledge and confidence to undertake VAG double clutch system replacement using our LuK 2CT repair solutions”, explains Schaeffler Technical Services Manager, Alistair Mason, “it also allows us to explain the many other ways in which Schaeffler and the REPXPERT platform can help them work more efficiently.
“The two days follow the same format, with day one covering dry clutch systems and day two covering wet. Each day starts with an overview of the double clutch system, followed by the theory behind the clutch and mechatronics. We then move onto a practical removal and installation before looking into the common issues that can affect the three main elements: gearbox, mechatronics and clutch.”
The training, which includes lunch and refreshments on both days plus IMI certification, costs just £349 + VAT per person, so it is a highly cost-effective option for workshops with their eye on future profit opportunities. Due to the popularity of the courses, and the highly intensive training method, spaces are extremely limited, so those wishing to take part should click here to register.
If you have difficulty booking your place online, please email the REPXPERT team at info@repxpert.co.uk and they will book a place on your behalf, or look at alternative dates and venues, maybe via our distributor partner networks.
Continental bolsters training for CV operators
Continental Tyres has launched a new tyre maintenance awareness campaign for commercial vehicle operators, with the aim of drawing attention to common faults, issues and failures.
Continental launches new tyre management awareness campaign to draw attention to common faults, issues and solutions
Videos cover topics such as safety, efficiency and longevity
Launch coincides with the reintroduction of ContiAcademy’s full face-to-face training programme
Larger, refurbished training room able to accommodate a greater number of students; virtual courses will continue to be available
Academy also working closely with Continental Automotive’s VDO Academy
Continental Tyres has launched a new tyre maintenance awareness campaign for commercial vehicle operators, with the aim of drawing attention to common faults, issues and failures. The launch comes as the company’s popular in-house training centre, ContiAcademy, announces the reintroduction of its full face-to-face training programme for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprising of a series of five short films, the tyre maintenance campaign covers key topics such as getting the best performance from your tyres, how to inspect a tyre, reducing the risk of a blowout and how to correctly regroove a tyre. Many of the hints and tips featured within the videos will be relevant to all operators, irrespective of their current tyre brand.
Steve Howat, General Manager for Technical Services at Continental Tyre Group, said: “As an expert in the commercial vehicle industry, Continental is proud to support hauliers across the UK, by sharing knowledge and best practice. Preventable tyre issues can not only cost fleet operators’ money, but they can also pose a risk to drivers and public safety.
“These videos will help everyone, no matter the brand of tyre that they use, to reduce the danger posed by a failing tyre, maximise rubber longevity and cut vehicle running costs.”
Operators looking to further their knowledge and understanding of tyre maintenance may benefit from one of the courses offered by the ContiAcademy. The centre embraced virtual training in 2020, but after a period of hybrid working and a staged re-instatement of in-person courses, the ContiAcademy is now offering its full suite of training courses from its Lutterworth site.
Gwyn Fennell, Continental’s Technical Service and Training Manager, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to reintroduce our full range of in-person training courses once again. Being able to interact with our customers is a big part of the service that we offer, and we find that they value the time spent working with and learning from others. Of course, we appreciate that training requires a time investment, which is why we’re continuing to offer online solutions, too.”
During the pandemic, Continental upgraded the facilities at the ContiAcademy to better accommodate sessions when restrictions eased. The academy now has a larger, refurbished training room, allowing for an increase in class capacity on many courses.
Popular amongst businesses in recent months has been ContiAcademy’s Wheel Security and Driver Training courses. The latter highlights to HGV drivers the things they should be looking out for in order to maximise tyre life and mitigate damage.
Elsewhere, the REACT and Licenced Tyre Technician training sessions continue to be well received, as is the EV training session. Last year, Continental’s internal technical team hosted training and webinars for 400 customers on the topic of e-mobility and its impact on tyres.
The closer co-operation with Continental Automotive’s VDO Academy, based in Birmingham, has led to an expanded offer of Commercial Vehicle related training courses. These include various levels of Electric and Hybrid vehicle training, which is accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry, as well as DVSA approved Tachograph courses and Driver Hours courses.
The addition of VDO Academy’s courses focused on safety and legislation are further complimented by the introduction of innovative products, such as Continental’s Verified Inspection, which is available to see within ContiAcademy's newly refurbished training facility.
Customers wanting to carry out skills checks on newly recruited technicians can book a Starter Assessment at the ContiAcademy. A half-day practical assessment where the team will evaluate the participant’s performance and make recommendations on any future training needs.
Continental also offers accredited courses, such as the Tyre Forensic course backed by the Institute of the Motor Industry.
To view the full suite of truck tyre advice videos, and to find out more about the campaign, visit: https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/b2b/truck/tyre-awareness.html
New City College REPXPERT Academy LIVE
The first REPXPERT Academy LIVE of 2023 took place at New City College Ardleigh Green campus in Hornchurch Saturday 4th February, and proved to be another success for the delegates, Schaeffler’s technical training team and the special guests at the event.
First Academy of 2023 visits New City College in Ardleigh Green
Fantastic delegate feedback and engagement
IMI CPD points earned
The first REPXPERT Academy LIVE of 2023 took place at New City College Ardleigh Green campus in Hornchurch Saturday 4th February, and proved to be another success for the delegates, Schaeffler’s technical training team and the special guests at the event.
After an introduction from the hosting team of Schaeffler’s James Mainwaring, Michelle Barratt from the IMI plus Chris Roper and David Ford of New City College, the delegate groups headed off for the four different training sessions on offer. Schaeffler’s two sessions featured two industry legends – with Nigel Mepham presenting an introduction to double clutch servicing and repairs, and INA specialist Tim Adams discussing common belt system installation issues and how to avoid them.
The other two classes featured Pico Technologies delivering a workshop mini-masterclass on its world-leading oscilloscope system, plus award-winning workshop owner Tim Benson presenting a business best practice session entitled ‘The power of selection’, sharing the processes and systems he uses in the day-to-day running of a successful independent garage.
During the coffee and lunch breaks, delegates were able to spend time networking in the workshop hub as well as talking to garage service specialists including Laser tools, Garage Services Online, TechMan, The IMI and garagesnear.me.
Schaeffler Marketing & Communication Manager, Jeff Earl said: “This was the first time we’ve taken the REPXPERT Academy LIVE roadshow to the London area, and we were rewarded with a great audience of high-quality garage owners and professional technicians keen to engage with the team and enhance their skills, so we consider the event to have been a resounding success.”
Event host, Schaeffler Territory Manager and REPXPERT James Mainwaring added: “You never know how well each event will be received, which is why we constantly review the material we present and look to include interesting new information and the latest best practice advice. Everyone attending, from the Hornchurch area and beyond, had a huge appetite to increase their knowledge and understanding of the systems we presented, which was fantastic.”
The Academy LIVE roadshow will be back later in the year, and other Schaeffler training initiatives include the return of our popular Zoom-based ‘Tea-Break Training’ sessions on Wednesday 1st March, plus three scheduled IMI approved two-day double clutch training events - the first of which kicks off at the Tool Connection training centre in Southam on the 26th & 27th April.
To learn more about Schaeffler REPXPERT Academy LIVE, plus all the other training opportunities mentioned in this article, please visit www.repxpert.co.uk
TruTac builds the team as workplace accreditations roll in
TruTac, part of the Microlise Group of companies and a leading provider of compliance and transport software, have attained two accreditations for their commitment to the well-being of employees.
TruTac, part of the Microlise Group of companies and a leading provider of compliance and transport software, have attained two accreditations for their commitment to the well-being of employees.
Great Place to Work and Thrive at Work are accreditations awarded for applying and maintaining prescribed employee welfare policies and procedures. These ethics are driven from the top down and embody the culture of the workplace by focusing on the individual. Accordingly, this aims to support employees by providing a supportive environment and paying attention to mental wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and workplace inclusivity.
TruTac’s General Manager, Louise Connor and Managing Director Jemma James have not only been leading the workplace initiatives as a priority to protect existing talent, but also recruit and grow the teams.
Jemma states, “TruTac are incredibly proud to have been awarded both the Great Place to Work and Thrive at Work accreditations. Heading into 2023 with these new awards sets the standard for the year ahead and demonstrates how we invest in our most important asset - our people.”
A recent survey of TruTac employees conducted by Great Place to Work highlighted many positive comments from the team:
“TruTac is an amazing place to work. We are not just a business; we are a family. Management cares a great deal about staff and will do anything to make each of us a better person, while giving us great opportunities to improve.”
“TruTac is family-focused and operates an open-door policy.”
“I work in a small team which works well together, and we are very supportive of one another. As both an employee and a colleague, I feel valued.”
“It’s a great place to work as you can be yourself with colleagues while balancing family and personal life. Working here is very convenient compared to other companies.”
“TruTac are like a family, they care about your physical and mental wellbeing. There are events to encourage staff to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.”
Great Place to Work is a worldwide recognised scheme, focussed on building, sustaining and recognising companies with supportive, high-performing workplace cultures. The organisation applies data and insights from millions of employees working in approximately 10,000 organisations across the world every year to benchmark individual performance.
In partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, The Thrive workplace health and wellbeing awards are the West Midlands County standard of good practice and a quality mark for health and wellbeing in work.
These standards lie at the heart of Louise Connor’s approach to employee wellbeing and underpin the foundation of the workplace.
“We continually strive to improve and to provide a positive working environment by embracing HR and inclusivity best practice. Through teambuilding days, training, mental health awareness and an open-door policy we endeavour to not just attract the best talent but to protect the amazing talent we have. To this end, the TruTac family are striving to attain even higher levels of workplace accreditation, as the team continues to go from strength to strength.”
Automotive recruitment strategies in a candidate driven market
The automotive industry skills shortage has been exacerbated by a lack of young talent entering the sector, an ageing workforce, and an increasingly green agenda driving up the number of alternative fuelled vehicles onto UK roads.
The automotive industry skills shortage has been exacerbated by a lack of young talent entering the sector, an ageing workforce, and an increasingly green agenda driving up the number of alternative fuelled vehicles onto UK roads. To gain and retain new talent today, automotive employers need to exhaust the channels available to them and be open to new recruitment strategies in a bid to reach a wider audience.
Here, Simon King, Managing Director of Autotech Recruit discusses the challenges the automotive industry is facing when recruiting, how these issues can be overcome through applying new methods and technology to attract talent, while outlining its new approach to sourcing contractors for its network of temporary technicians and MOT testers……..
For the automotive industry, retention has been a problem for some time and attracting the right talent is an ongoing issue. We are starting to see salaries rise, particularly for vehicle technicians, and, whilst this does put additional pressure on employers, it is incredibly positive and long overdue. As the saying goes, money talks, but people, especially those with sought after skills, recognise their worth and the industry needs to keep up with new technology, while exploring all potential avenues, to ensure they attract and keep hold of the right people.
A candidate driven market
Last year was a candidate’s market and 2023 is likely to follow suit. People are seeking a greater level of flexibility and employment on their own terms. If they don’t get it in their current job, they are very likely to look elsewhere, and retention rates have become a real problem for most organisations.
According to the Future World of Work Report 2023, the structure of the UK workforce is changing profoundly. Flexibility is the key driver of this change, and 65% of businesses surveyed revealed they understood the need to play the ‘flexibility game’ to attract the right people as it opens them up to a much wider pool of talent. But flexibility isn’t a one size fits all solution, and of course, for the automotive industry, working from home really isn’t an option. It may be choosing the hours they work and when they work to strike a better work life balance. We have contractors working for us who prefer seasonal work so they can spend time indulging their hobbies or working on their other side businesses.
People want greater choice today. It’s why there are now over 4.2 million self-employed workers in the UK.
The freelance revolution
Sparked by the financial crisis and the unemployment that followed, freelancing became one of the biggest trends of the 2010’s. At the time, it was a necessity for many but, when the pandemic hit, it became a choice. People had a taste of hybrid working and they wanted more of it. For employers, 64% say that using contractors helps them to address the skills gap, while enabling them to turn the tap on and off as needed when it comes to specialist support.
This sentiment fits the automotive industry exactly, and it’s one we have been beating the drum about for over a decade. Using temporary vehicle technicians and MOT testers to cover resource gaps, whether brought on by sick leave, holiday or a lack of available talent, is a solution automotive bosses are tapping into time and again. These contractors are in charge of their own destiny, they know that training and being skilled in the latest automotive technology will help them remain agile and employable.
It’s widely known that the automotive industry is fishing for talent in a rapidly depleting pool. While there are initiatives in place to upskill existing workers and harness a new generation, we also need to look at those who left the sector and lure them back in.
So many new contractors who join our ranks left permanent automotive employment to work on wind farms or re-trained as lorry drivers, ‘we wanted to give the automotive industry one last chance,’ is a familiar cry. We need to reach out to the people who did leave and sell the industry to them and the opportunities which now exist, including the potential to contract. Your people are your best advocates and it’s likely that they will no ex-automotive employees so use them to pass the message on. It’s an exciting time within the sector and, for those who are prepared to train and bring themselves up to date to service and repair vehicles today, the opportunities are limitless.
Your industry needs you back…..
Of course, aside from tempting people back from other sectors, there is another cohort of people that the industry could be tapping into. Technicians who, faced with the evolution of vehicles, opted to retire early rather than upskill, are now starting to return to working and flexibility is key. Rising inflation, and the cost of living crisis is fuelling a reversal of the Great Resignation, people of retirement age who are using flexibility to return to the workforce in ways that work better for them. We need to reach out to these people and bring them back into the automotive industry.
Job security
While contracting is undeniably on the rise, for many, job security can be a real deal breaker. With mortgages to pay and mouths to feed, particularly during the cost of living crisis, taking the plunge to become a contractor can be daunting and bring a host of concerns.
It’s why we have recently enhanced our offering to introduce ATech and ATester. A unique blend of freelancing, while having the assurance of full-time employment with guaranteed work.
When we started the business back in 2010, it was a contractor revolution. Freelancing within the automotive industry was relatively unheard of, today while our network continues to grow, demand is outstripping supply and the contracts are becoming more long term. Any fears of not having enough work are unfounded. But to appeal to more people and reach out to those who left the sector in a bid to entice them back, we are offering full-time permanent employment, with all the benefits that entails, and the variety of work that comes with being a freelancer.
From the more experienced to the recently trained, to creating opportunities for contractors and permanent staff, there are so many routes to attracting talent which needs to be explored and employers should be exhausting each of them. But thoughts also need to be given over to the line of communication used when reaching these audiences.
Harnessing the power of technology
For years, we have talked about the rapid digitalisation of the automotive industry but using automation to recruit is a relatively new phenomenon. If used effectively though, recruitment technology can significantly cut down on repetitive, time-consuming work, affording the employer time to build a better rapport with potential candidates.
Through intelligent systems, employers can widen the net and reach a greater audience through a multitude of channels, online job boards, databases and social media platforms, giving employers great choice, while enabling them to filter through and drill into the right talent.
While recording and monitoring the progress of potential candidates, through the power of tech employers can also complete the initial screening process, schedule interviews, and handle background checks – all in real time.
There are interminable routes available today to attracting and gaining talent, employers just need to broaden their reach and tap into the technology available to them, you never know, these incremental changes made across the whole industry might just start to fill the skills gap void.
Auto Windscreens’ Ashley Atkins first to complete Level 3 apprenticeship
Ashley Atkins, a Mobile Technician from Auto Windscreens’ Grimsby Service Centre has become the first in England to complete the new Level 3 Automotive Glazing Technician apprenticeship, following a successful End Point Assessment by GQA Qualifications.
Ashley Atkins, a Mobile Technician from Auto Windscreens’ Grimsby Service Centre has become the first in England to complete the new Level 3 Automotive Glazing Technician apprenticeship, following a successful End Point Assessment by GQA Qualifications.
Ashley’s achievement comes ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February) which sees Auto Windscreens announce plans to recruit up to 42 apprentice technicians and contact centre agents this year alone. The company’s apprenticeships are delivered internally through its group’s ALEX programme.
Ashley said: “My dad used to do this job when I was younger and joining as an apprentice was the best way for me to learn the role. I enjoy the freedom of being mobile, you’re your own boss to a certain extent. To those thinking of becoming an apprentice, it’s definitely worth doing - take the leap and go for it, you'll regret it if you don’t!”
James MacBeth, Managing Director added: “We’re very proud of Ashley being the first person in England to complete this apprenticeship. As a company, we’ve always invested heavily in our apprenticeship programme. Our technician and contact centre roles are perfectly suited to apprenticeships as they require a combination of technical as well as soft skills.
“On a personal level, I’m a great supporter of apprenticeships, as I worked my way up from starting at Auto Windscreens as a trainee technician in 1992. My training provided an excellent stepping-stone for a successful career in the industry - something we can offer all our apprentices.”
The benefits of embracing apprenticeships
As we approach National Apprenticeship week (6th – 12th February 2023) Human Results take a look at how it can benefit a business in both the short term and the longer term.
Hiring an apprentice can be a great way to develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce - as long as you don’t view an apprenticeship as cheap labour. That’s the view of Telford-based employment law and HR specialist, Alasdair Hobbs of Human Results, who says apprenticeships can benefit a business in both the short and long term.
Alasdair said: “Here at Human Results, we are strong believers and advocates of apprenticeship schemes. “There are many benefits to taking on an apprentice, but what we urge companies not to do is look at it as cheap labour for the length of time of apprenticeship. Failing to properly support an apprentice actually costs more long term and doesn’t install staff loyalty.
“You can employ apprentices at different levels, from school leavers and university graduates, to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely. “You can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee. As an employer, you can get funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training.”
According to a recent survey, 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation, 78% said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity, and 74% said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.
Danielle Wainwright started at Human Results in 2016 as an Apprentice, gaining a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration, and has continued to develop a strong understanding of employee relations, legal consulting and office management.
She said: “I am really grateful to Alasdair and the team at Human Results for the opportunities I have already had and will gain in the future, at such a young age. “The working world can be quite daunting, however, being within one business and feeling a huge part of it has certainly benefited me in being confident within the industry.”
Alasdair said Danielle had become instrumental in the day-to-day management of the business. He added: “We are always encouraging our clients to look at apprentices as an opportunity to develop their talent for the future.
“We have certainly benefited from apprenticeships and it is a pleasure to see how Danielle has progressed within Human Results and contributed to our success.”
TMD Friction UK shines a light on the next-generation of aftermarket talent this National Apprenticeship Week
TMD Friction UK is calling on the importance of embracing future talent and encouraging the next generation of aftermarket professionals into the industry this National Apprenticeship week, which runs from 6th – 12th February.
TMD Friction UK is calling on the importance of embracing future talent and encouraging the next generation of aftermarket professionals into the industry this National Apprenticeship week, which runs from 6th – 12th February.
National Apprenticeship Week aims to bring together businesses and apprentices throughout the country to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships give to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
To mark the occasion, the braking specialist is celebrating its own homegrown talent throughout its UK sites, as it remains committed to bringing in and nurturing fresh talent, offering a ladder of opportunity with its strong ethos of promoting from within across all departments.
TMD Friction UK offers a comprehensive apprenticeship programme and is shining a light on some of the many success stories from within its team.
Kim Tompson, production administrator, said: “I’ve worked at TMD since 2009 and was given the opportunity to complete a Level 4 apprenticeship in Business Administration.
“During my time with the company I feel I have always been given a fair chance to further my career and have been supported by members within my team, as well as outside of my team, in order to be successful.
“Completing my qualification gave me the opportunity to see a range of clear objectives and how they are actioned. I feel privileged to be an employee at TMD and also a part of the team.”
Jack Fallow, apprentice maintenance technician, added: “I have currently been a multi-skilled maintenance technician apprentice within TMD Friction UK for over three years. Throughout this time, I have taken part in a vast variety of engineering related tasks, ranging from factory improvement projects to urgent machine breakdown response.
“TMD pushes apprentices to achieve high academic grades alongside gathering a wide range of on-the-job training to help produce a fully competent and good quality maintenance technician.
“TMD allows maintenance apprentices to experience working in other engineering departments throughout the company to both expand their knowledge and guide them down a career path they most enjoy.”
Another one of its valued apprentices is Stephen Smailes, apprentice maintenance technician, who commented: “TMD Friction UK Hartlepool is a great place to work as an apprentice. The company has a wide range of machinery, from 100ton presses to Comec grinders. These machines help gain a great amount of knowledge in the maintenance trade.
“I chose TMD Friction UK after completing a week’s work experience – the number of skills you can learn, as well as for the number of opportunities provided was a key factor in my decision. TMD life is a really enjoyable experience – I have met lots of new people who try and push me to by the best maintenance technician I can be.”
As a UK-based manufacturer of safety critical components, the company’s award-winning training team also continues to invest in the upskilling of the aftermarket, as it is acutely aware of the importance of correct fitting procedures and works hard with customers to ensure this awareness is instilled across all corners of the UK.
TMD Friction’s technical training team was recently awarded the renowned Outstanding Achievement accolade at the Annual Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF’s) Award ceremony.
The team was recognised for its uncompromising approach to continuing professional development (CPD) including informing customers and the wider aftermarket of correct fitting procedures and modern-day braking systems.
The company’s Mintex Masterclass initiative is also shortlisted for the Training Scheme of the Year at the upcoming CAT Awards on 9th February.
Automechanika Birmingham shines a spotlight on ‘skills’ for the next generation
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Automechanika Birmingham is officially welcoming the next generation of aftermarket professionals with open arms to its summer show on 6th – 8th June, as the event organisers look to take a proactive approach in helping to bridge the ongoing skills gap and train the future specialists of the industry.
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Automechanika Birmingham is officially welcoming the next generation of aftermarket professionals with open arms to its summer show on 6th – 8th June, as the event organisers look to take a proactive approach in helping to bridge the ongoing skills gap and train the future specialists of the industry.
National Apprenticeship Week 2023, which runs from 6th – 12th February, is the 16th annual celebration of apprenticeships and aims to bring together businesses and apprentices throughout the country to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
In line with attracting future talent into the industry, along with aftermarket apprentices, Automechanika Birmingham is also encouraging first-year, second-year and third-year students to attend its informative event in June, and embrace the many opportunities available to them.
Alex Jones, marketing director of Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham, said: “The statistics don’t lie, and unfortunately the number of dropouts in the first year of college is frighteningly high for automotive courses. Not only is it important to capture the interest of fresh talent by offering attractive apprenticeship schemes and college courses, once we have these individuals on board, we need to ensure we can keep hold of them.
“A key way to achieve this is by shining a light on the vast scale of technical innovations that our exhibitors offer, as well as the myriad of training opportunities available at the show. There are a multitude of options to explore for people wishing to kickstart their aftermarket career, from getting hands on in workshops, right through to product development at manufacturer level. And with a future based around an alternative fuelled vehicle parc and autonomous driving, apprentices and students can expect a long and fruitful career in the automotive aftermarket.”
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘Skills for Life’. The week will reflect on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.
As a keen supporter of ensuring next-generational aftermarket professionals are equipped with the skills to succeed in the industry, apprentices visiting Automechanika Birmingham can benefit from a comprehensive programme of more than 192 hours of free skills training, technical talks and topical discussions on current industry issues and inspiring new technology, as well as live demonstrations all presented from industry experts.
Automechanika Birmingham has also partnered with School of Thought, who will be exhibiting at June’s show, which was created specifically to address the skills and generation gap and promote all the career opportunities the industry has to offer.
Recognising very early on that there was a disconnect with education, School of Thought focused on addressing this by creating a portal with its partner in education, which is available to every student, allowing them to easily find out information about automotive careers.
School of Thought also believes in the importance of going out to meet young people face to face and its ambassadors have attended over 200 careers events to date meeting thousands of young people.
Dave Reece, founder of School of Thought, said: “This year we are planning to push on with these events and also be part of many of the national career fairs to promote all the ways young people can get into the industry, including highlighting the topic at Automechanika Birmingham. This could be through our work experience programme, apprenticeships, internships or just getting that first step on their career paths.”
Jones continued: “It’s clear that, as a sector, we need to pull together and showcase the many exciting career avenues our industry can offer, and Automechanika Birmingham offers the perfect platform to do this.”
For the first time Automechanika Birmingham will host an Automotive Talent & Skills Conference, which will take place on Thursday June 8th. Committed to addressing the issues pertaining to attracting and retaining talent in the industry, while identifying and promoting the opportunities available within the sector, the one-day conference will be a platform for everyone committed to finding solutions for the challenges the sector faces.
The National Apprenticeship Week website has more information and a toolkit to help you plan and promote your activities, which you can find more information about here.
To register to attend Automechanika Birmingham, please do so here.