Autotech Recruit has responded to calls from its temporary vehicle technicians for greater training by launching its own platform on Our Virtual Academy, which will enable contractors to access free training.
In addition, as the training provision will incorporate courses in Hybrid and Electric vehicles, the move will also underpin Autotech Recruit’s objective to make all contractors fully conversant in these vehicles by the end of 2020.
Following survey results, which showed 60% of its temporary vehicle technicians would like to undertake further training, Autotech Recruit has invested in the site and developed an exclusive platform with Our Virtual Academy. With access to 180 online training chapters, tutorials and final tests, contractors will be able to fully maximise the current enforced downtime to upskill.
Simon King, Managing Director of Autotech Recruit, commented: “While supporting the industry as a whole with training provisions, we have used this lockdown period to speak to our contractors and understand what they are looking for to take their careers to the next level.
“With training factoring highly amongst them, we have brought forward plans to create a training platform and worked with Our Virtual Academy to launch our own online provision which is immediately available to our contractors.”
While virtual courses have previously been available to contractors at a discount, this isn’t the first time Autotech Recruit has provided free training. In 2018, the company launched its Manufacturer Led Recruitment programme to help leading UK car manufacturers overcome significant loss of revenue through the skills shortage. Under the programme, a group of regionally based temporary vehicle technicians are sent on an intensive training course, at each manufacturer’s dedicated training facility, to ensure they are trained to their specific standards before filling labour shortfalls.
Simon continued: “As temporary technicians, our contractors have the ability to take control of their own career progression. We are dedicated to supporting their ambitions, and providing them with training provisions where we possibly can to not only demonstrate our commitment to them, but to ensure that they remain agile within this rapidly evolving industry. Effectively, we are putting our money where our mouth is.”
Alongside Electric and Hybrid vehicle training, Autotech Recruit contractors will also gain access to a vast array of nationally recognised training content such as emissions, diesel diagnostics and air conditioning servicing.
Significantly, the platform will also feature a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) which will assist contractors in identifying their individual training needs, while ensuring Autotech Recruit maintains its promise to clients to supply highly trained vehicle technicians.
How garages will operate in the short-term once lockdown measures are eased remains unclear, however, one thing is certain, vehicle technicians and MOT testers will play a crucial role in dealing with the inevitable demand.
Simon concluded: “The industry was already suffering with a shortage of skills, so as many garages remain closed, it is essential that our contractors maintain and improve their skill set to ensure they are ready to fill the inevitable labour shortages once the automotive aftermarket re-opens.”
