Every modern workshop needs a modern training programme. Delphi explains how that can easily be achieved.
The evolution most workshops have undergone in recent years is most apparent in the change of garage equipment. Spanners, sockets, hammers and pry bars all remain in a workshop’s toolbox, but they’re now joined by diagnostic tools and even more advanced hardware, such as ADAS recalibration equipment.
With such technology available to them, independents literally have at their disposal all the tools they need to rival the service offering of a franchised garage. As with every business though, a garage is only as good as its people, so if the modern workshop is to prosper then it needs to invest as heavily in its personnel as it does in its equipment.
“With vehicle technology evolving so rapidly, training is something that every garage has to be on top of if it is to optimise profitability and efficiency,” says Julian Goulding, Marketing Manager Northern Europe, Delphi Technologies Aftermarket.
“Recognising the need for ongoing training also works to increase staff retention and future-proof the business, but there’s no denying that independents do face challenges when it comes to physically pursuing training. For example, staff may need to be away from the business for a considerable amount of time and, if course providers are some distance away, there’s also the expense of accommodation and travel to be considered.”
The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with many independents still trying to recoup revenue that was lost during lockdown periods and funds and time being in even tighter supply. There’s also the issue of course availability, with many providers facing a backlog due to not being permitted to deliver physical training for several months.
However, a greater emphasis on online learning presents a solution that is perfectly suited to the modern workshop. Delphi Technologies has acknowledged the situation, addressing the growing demand for ‘blended learning’ that complements hands-on, classroom-based tuition with virtual training, by establishing the Delphi Technologies Academy e-learning platform.
Learning online
Developed over a 12-month period by the company’s expert trainers, the e-learning platform is believed to be the most advanced online training facility available to those in the aftermarket, and maximises the potential to learn from Delphi Technologies’ experience as an OEM supplier.
“As well as acknowledging the need for training, forward-thinking independents are now also recognising that they can be smarter in how they consume training, too,” added Goulding. “Since we established the elearning platform we have seen many garages, particularly those that are far away from our training base in Warwick, appreciate how they can access comprehensive training materials via a cost-effective facility that they can visit any time and on any device.
“Because the training can be consumed in any location, the space limitations of classroom-based learning are removed, opening the door for many more people to benefit. The platform’s on-demand nature also opens other opportunities. For example, a technician can consult an online video in response to a request from a customer or at a critical point where they may need assistance during a repair.”
Goulding continued: “The implementation of the Delphi Technologies Academy allows us to cover even more vehicle systems. For example, together with the staple courses on brakes, engine, steering and suspension systems, we can now offer instant access to industry-leading ADAS and H/EV training, the latter spanning everything from instruction videos on how to safely lift a hybrid/electric vehicle through to detailed overviews of the very latest OE systems.
“Such is the nature of the industry that there will always be a need for practical training, but the availability of an expert online resource like the Delphi Technologies Academy enables many garages to expand the skillsets of their staff with the minimum of fuss. It’s a perfect illustration of how the modern workshop can evolve in way that enables them to embrace the latest technologies and changes in the industry with little disruption to their day-to-day operation.”
