AA Approved Garages will focus on building skills for the future
AA Approved Garages will be focusing on nurturing future talent at this year’s Automechanika. The company, which operates a network of more than 600 garages in the UK, is urging the sector to join together to build resilience in a workforce that needs to adapt quickly to the changes in the market.
Skills are just one area on which the future success of the aftermarket depends, with AA Approved garages also getting wider access to a captive customer base and value-add products that are helping to drive profitability that, in turn, will help drive investment in the future of the industry.
The motor industry has the sixth highest vacancy rate of all UK sectors, with workshop and technical roles typically the hardest positions to fill. (Autotech Group, 2022). Meanwhile, being able to hire enough mechanics and technicians to perform MOT tests is the biggest worry for 67% of garages (The Motor Ombudsman).
“With the recent surge in automotive technology, including the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for skilled technicians in our industry has significantly increased,” said Anthony Garbacz, network director, AA Approved Garages. “But the fact is, the numbers aren’t there to fill these positions. Without a significant change in the way we approach workforce development and talent acquisition, the aftermarket sector will struggle to meet future demand.
Improving working conditions, offering competitive benefits and promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration are all critical to making the industry more attractive to new talent, Garbacz emphasises. “At the AA, we believe in the power of innovation and collaboration, and in offering both apprenticeships and continuous on-the-job training to retain valued staff. By addressing the skills shortage in this comprehensive, collaborative and strategic manner, the sector can ensure that it has the skilled workforce it needs to meet the evolving demands of customers and remain competitive in the marketplace.”
“As an industry, we need to do more to retain and develop our technicians. There is significant period of change ahead but this represents opportunities for those looking for exciting roles in the future.”
AA Approved Garages is supporting the future of virtual training for members of its network with its partnership with Our Virtual Academy. Using e-learning courses, it is able to offer training at all levels, from apprenticeships to master technicians.
Automechanika will take place at Birmingham’s NEC on 6th-8th June. To find out more, visit the AA Approved Garage Network at stand M88.