February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 AFTERMARKET 11 www.aftermarketonline.net Keen With this in mind, Autotech Academy, a division of Autotech Group, now offers recently qualified vehicle technicians a gateway into the industry through a paid internship. Autotech Academy equips each intern with a box of tools and a uniform. Interns are also offered ongoing technical and EV training if required. In turn, garages pay the intern an hourly rate over a six to 12-month period before deciding to employ them on a permanent basis. 22-year old Rajan Kainth, is one of three interns that were placed with the Volkswagen Van Centre in Birmingham as Autotech Academy interns. After qualifying with a Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair in August 2020, Rajan struggled to secure a role within the automotive industry and was repeatedly told that he needed at least between three and five years’ experience. Eventually Rajan found work in a warehouse, but he was still wanted to become a vehicle technician: “I thought once I had qualified, I would easily find work, but realised it was easier said than done. I tried independents and dealer groups for technician positions, and even considered going down the apprentice route just to secure a role but, in doing this, I may as well have written off the last three years of my course.” According to Rajan, of the 50 people on his course just himself and one other person have actually managed to secure a role within the automotive industry, highlighting the widespread challenges newly qualified technicians are facing. After registering with Autotech Group earlier this year, the company contacted him after launching their Academy division: “I realised that this was a great opportunity and, after starting with VW in August, I haven’t looked back. For the first three weeks both myself and the two other interns shadowed the other vehicle technicians. I was then effectively thrown in the deep end and worked on a cylinder head. While initially nervous, as the most I had worked on was brakes and servicing, the team at VW gave me the confidence to complete the work.” While the team at the Volkswagen Van Centre are still overseeing and assessing the intern’s work, they are now working independently: “At the end of the six month internship, I am hopeful that I will secure employment with the Volkswagen Van Centre but, at the end of the day, if I don't, I will still have six months experience under my belt which is far more than many of my college peers have managed to achieve.” Rajan concluded. “The industry needs to commit to young people like myself who hold the theory but lack the experience.” Current situation Autotech Academy’s approach takes into account those who have already decided they want to work in the automotive sector, but need someone to give them their shot. What about those who have never considered the industry though, and those we don’t seem to have contemplated even asking thus far? According to IMI CEO Steve Nash, increased diversity is the key to filling the skills gap: “Unquestionably the skills gap currently faced by the aftermarket sector can’t be attributed to one issue. Indeed, there’s almost a perfect storm of factors that have contributed to the current situation; From a lack of investment in the last two years as a result of COVID-19, to an ageing workforce and the Brexit- effect. While some might want to wring their hands and shake their fists, the reality is we just need to get on with the job of filling the gap. That means we need to seriously look at what will motivate the existing cohort to upgrade their skills, as well as how to attract fresh blood to the sector. “The career and earning opportunities in automotive are immense. The rapidly evolving technology is incredibly exciting, putting us on the same level as other tech-led sectors. Now we have to make sure that message is getting out. And we have to make sure we are both reaching those who already have a technical aptitude but want to find a new career challenge, and the parents and educators who influence the next generation.” At-a-glance: Relevant statistics The Motor Ombudsman survey: 67% of garages said the ability to hire mechanics was their biggest worry in 2021 50% of garages said having staff test positive for COVID-19 or having to self- isolate caused disruption 44% said the pre-existing skills shortage meant they did not have enough staff to be able to deal with the new MOT pattern 40% said staffing was so tight they could not send their employees for training in 2021 38% said the lack of staff meant they could not dedicate resources to being EV- ready Glen Callum Associates (GCA) survey: When asked what is the most important element was when considering a career move: 37% said culture and flexibility 24% said job security 21% said salary and package 18% said career prospects