Overseas tech joins Lincoln garage through Easy2Recruit
The Lincoln branch of national garage chain IN‘n’OUT Autocentres has become the latest workshop to tackle its own staff shortage by taking on a technician from India through Easy2Recruit, the agency helping garages hire overseas talent.
KK Mydeen became part of Lincoln’s IN‘n’OUT team in November and is the first overseas technician to be employed within the group. He brings with him many years of franchised dealer outlet experience built up working in Qatar. “KK is a great addition to the team here at IN‘n’OUT Lincoln,” said Centre Principal Ben Schofield. “Easy2Recruit made the whole process really simple. Since he has joined us, we have built a training programme for him, and he is now busy on servicing, brakes and steering and suspension work. He is fitting in well.”
IN’n’OUT’s network includes over 30 workshops spread across England and Wales. Its Lincoln facility is one of a growing number of pop-up cube sites operated by the business. These purpose-built prefabricated units are set up in popular locations near local amenities, prioritising convenience for customers.
With two scissor lifts and two MOT bays, the Lincoln site is designed to run with a small number of staff, but when Ben began managing the facility in June, it was already one mechanic short, and none could be found locally. “We tried to recruit in the area but had no luck. I am a member of the Employers Board at Lincoln College, and I am more than aware of how difficult it can be to attract garage staff.”
IN’n’OUT already possessed a Home Office Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) licence needed to employ overseas staff but had not used it yet. With this in hand, Ben contacted Easy2Recruit. “The team fully supported us through the process,” said Ben. “Easy2Recruit identified likely candidates and facilitated interviews. When we chose KK, the COS could be applied to him. Then Easy2Recruit sourced accommodation for him and brought him all the way to Lincoln. Everything went brilliantly and we now have a fully staffed workshop.”
With older mechanics leaving the industry, and a growing shortfall of new technicians entering the sector, Ben believes more garages should be looking at the overseas route. “These technicians are available, motivated and can be brought into the UK relatively easily. So, the ability to fill the gap is there. If I need another mechanic, I will be speaking to Easy2Recruit again.”
This is the latest in a series of successful placements made by Easy2Recruit. “We’re delighted to see that KK has settled in so well with IN‘n’OUT in Lincoln,” said Easy2Recruit founder and CEO Ambi Singh. “They have welcomed a highly skilled operative who will help to maintain and maximise the profitability of the branch, and more workshops could be doing the same. With statistics showing that the skills crisis is not going anywhere, aftermarket businesses are increasingly receptive to taking on overseas staff.”