HELLA Academy launches with IMI ADAS training
HELLA has announced the launch of its Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) approved training facility, HELLA Academy in Chipping Warden, Banbury.
Initially opening with two IMI accredited Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) courses, the brand-new training centre is equipped with a modern classroom and state-of-the-art workshop to blend key theoretical learning with hands-on training.
HELLA Academy’s ADAS IMI AOM 230 course provides technicians with the insurance approval needed to work on ADAS-equipped vehicles while its ADAS L2 Award covers calibration, vehicle alignment, workshop requirements and more.
“Leveraging our extensive expertise as an original equipment (OE) manufacturer, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver ADAS training,” said Steve Fox, Training Manager at HELLA Academy. “We already provide a wide range of ADAS parts and, through HELLA Gutmann, supply the diagnostic tools, calibration equipment and technical support to service these systems. With the launch of HELLA Academy, we’re now also equipping technicians with formal ADAS qualifications.”
ADAS makes use of a variety of sensors – including ultrasonic, radar, and camera systems – to monitor the vehicle's surroundings. These systems inform, warn, and even intervene to automate driving functions.
The IMI predicts that 44 per cent of cars on UK roads will be ADAS-equipped by 2030, requiring 106,000 qualified technicians. However, based on current qualification and training trends, the IMI estimates a shortfall of 51,000 qualified technicians.
“We’re helping to plug the skills gap,” said Steve. “Five per cent of the UK car parc already features level 2 autonomy, which means these vehicles can temporarily perform automated driving tasks without any driver intervention. It’s vital workshops are aware of how widespread this technology is and how such systems are already affecting the jobs they undertake on a daily basis.”
Insurance Industry Requirements (IIR) state that ADAS inspection, realignment and calibration must be considered by technicians following the repair, service or maintenance of any parts that affect ADAS functionality or vehicle geometry.
Hella Gutmann’s latest CSC-Tool Digital provides a flexible, space-saving solution for the calibration of front cameras and sensors. Calibration targets are displayed on an integrated 200cm screen – the largest of any ADAS calibration equipment currently available – to the exact size specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Workshops simply download panels directly from the CSC-Tool Digital App.
“ADAS calibrations are managed through the mega macs diagnostic offering,” said Julian Goulding, Head of Sales at Hella Gutmann. “The software guides technicians through the vehicle-specific process and provides fully time-stamped documentation for increased security. Alternatively, with macsRemote we can calibrate the vehicle via a remote connection for you.”
The launch of HELLA Academy follows the recent opening of HELLA’s ‘Customer Experience Centre’, which showcases the full breadth of the product and service solutions it now delivers to the UK aftermarket.
HELLA Academy training places for both ADAS IMI AOM 230 and ADAS L2 Award will be available to book in due course with further training expected to be added to the offering in the coming months.