With even simple tasks now requiring skills such as coding, Delphi’s training solutions aim to take the pressure off stretched workshops.
Autonomous driving technologies, electrification of the vehicle parc and different diagnostic processes are amongst the key step-changes independents face and are all driving demand for quality technical training.
“Cars are changing,” said Luke Garratt, technical services manager at Delphi. “The drivetrains, the onboard technology and the methods of interacting with the vehicle are all transforming.”
More and more garages are looking to adopt structured training and development programmes to maximise these opportunities.
“Motivation might be getting ahead by winning more work or it can just be about keeping up,” said Luke. “Even doing some of the simplest service jobs now require access to the vehicle’s ECU and coding capability so new skills, new equipment and a commitment to continual learning are absolutely essential.”
Delphi’s comprehensive offering includes diagnostic programmes, face-to-face training in Leamington Spa, online learning through the Delphi Academy and tips, hints, articles and ‘How To’ videos also available at the new Masters of Motion hub. According to the manufacturer, training should be subject to cost-benefit or return on investment scrutiny like any other business decision.
“Garages have to make tough calls on how to allocate their resources,” said Luke. “We’re finding staff retention is a key driver for training these days.
“Recruiting skilled technicians is difficult and expensive so a modest ongoing investment in training over several years can pay for itself in making it easier to attract new technicians.”
Staff retention is boosted too because technicians who feel they are developing their abilities won’t be as easily tempted to move for a few pounds more in their pay packet, according to Delphi.
“It’s a big ambition but we want to offer the complete training solution,” said Luke. “That means covering lots of scenarios and technologies within a flexible blended framework that provides a clear progression route for the technicians and business owners involved.”
Blended learning
Delphi currently offers face-to-face training from its facility in Leamington Spa.
“We’ve focused on future technology within the centre,” said Luke. “We’ve got vehicles, service equipment and test rigs for technicians to work on – there’s still no substitute for ‘hands on’ learning.”
Delphi’s combined e-learning solution offers a total of over 300 individual modules varying in length from a couple of minutes to nearly an hour each, with most content available in multiple European languages. The online learning is constantly evolving with new content being added.
Since its inception in 2021, the Delphi Technologies Academy has seen around 1,200 users gaining flexible access to more than 300 courses and modules, all of which have been compiled by Delphi’s in-house trainers.
“The Delphi Academy gives a convenient way to enhance skills and knowledge without the challenges of attending physical training,” said Luke. “There’s a training Needs Assessment which includes a series of questionnaires and online ‘practicals’ before suggesting modules to complete tailored to that user. Hybrid and electric vehicle training is the perfect example of the benefits of a true blended learning experience. For the more advanced EV course we provide six hours of online pre-learning on electrical systems to try and get the foundation knowledge of electrical principle to then build upon in the training centre.”
Delphi’s combined e-learning offering comprises 16 courses on vehicle electrics, hybrid and EV alone. In all, there’s a total of over 100 modules varying in length from a couple of minutes to nearly an hour each.
