Autotech Group has appointed Andy Savva as a Non-Executive Director of its recently launched division – Autotech Academy.
Known throughout the industry as ‘The Garage Inspector,’ Andy has been brought in to drive awareness of Autotech Academy.
Created to help fill the automotive skills funnel and counteract the shortage of fresh talent entering the industry, Autotech Academy will provide qualified college leavers with a gateway into the industry through a paid internship.
With the industry facing a major skills shortage, particularly with the shift towards electrification, the need to create a pipeline of new talent has never been more prevalent. Now a consultant and trainer for the independent garage sector, Andy started his career as an automotive apprentice at 18 before owning his own garage, making him ideally placed to work with both interns and employers.
Andy commented: “The opportunity to join the board at Autotech Academy as an NED is something I couldn’t refuse. For many years I have commented on the challenges of attracting and retaining youth in our automotive sector. Autotech Academy offers a unique and broad range of essential technical-skills training, complementing what colleges are already doing to enhance and prepare the next generation of technicians, and front-of-house personnel, for employment.
“It is an exciting time to be involved in the automotive sector and there is much to do. I cannot wait to share my business knowledge to give each and every intern the edge as they step into the real world of our competitive and ever-challenging automotive industry.”
Autotech Academy is designed to be a solution which aims to alleviate the recruitment issues garage owners face, while helping colleges find employment for qualified, eager to start work automotive students through an internship.
With Autotech Academy, garages will pay a flat, hourly rate for a fully vetted, fully equipped intern. This cost will cover insurance, tools, ongoing training and, after approximately six months, they can either decide to employ the intern free of charge on a full-time basis, or not – it’s effectively a ‘try before you buy’ solution.
Gavin White, CEO of Autotech Group, added: “We have worked with Andy many times over our 10 year history and are delighted that he has accepted this position with Autotech Academy.
“Through Autotech Academy we want to break down a lot of barriers, and Andy is the ideal candidate to help us push this message across the independent aftermarket.”
