Aftermarket December/January 2023

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 49 Below: EV training in progress www.aftermarketonline.net address current market gaps and help employers to build a solid hiring strategy, while improving efficiency and maximising both the candidate and employer’s time.” MOT training Looking specifically at MOT-related training, Premier MOT Training Director Donna Chapman said there are a number of areas where improvements are most often needed: “We are concerned that companies need to invest in simple areas of training to upskill current levels of effectiveness, and due to pressures on business, this isn’t happening. We have piloted a range of short courses which have been welcomed by the industry and I’m pleased to say, has now been adopted by many of the main dealer clients on a regular basis for all their staff.” “Quality control is a course specifically designed to cover QC checks from checking test logs and test quality information; and how it affects testers RAG rating. How to carry out an observed test and score it as though DVSA where watching a tester, plus other ways to effectively make a difference to the quality of a testers standards. Premises and equipment - Simple systems make a difference, the easier you make them to use the more they get used. We can tailor make a system for you and help you put it in place. Site Management is probably the most effective course we run. An existing AEDM or Site Manager can attend and we will cover everything they need to know to improve the way their station runs and see immediate results.” Donna added: “Testing is stressful in itself, but working efficiently helps us proactively identify shortcomings and tackle them in an efficient manner.” For more information, visit: www.premiermot.co.uk Secure the future Looking into 2023, Schaeffler has a number of training events planned for the year, as Technical Manager Alistair Mason explained: “We are planning four Schaeffler REPXPERT Academy Live events for 2023, in addition to our regular appearances at the trade shows and training sessions we coordinate through our distribution partners.” He continued: “Thanks to the broad spectrum of vehicle systems and advanced technologies that Schaeffler specialises in, our training programme encompasses clutch, transmission, engine and chassis systems – with our LuK, INA and FAG brands representing the pinnacle for these products in terms of quality, performance and reliability. To ensure that the brands are reflected and promoted in the independent aftermarket we rely on our fourth brand, REPXPERT, to deliver our training and quality message to those responsible for servicing and repairing the country’s vehicles – independent workshop technicians. All our REPXPERT training days are accredited by the IMI, so technicians who are enrolled with the IMI can earn CPD points with every hour of REPXPERT training, irrespective of whether the subject matter is LuK, INA or FAG focused, or how it’s delivered, be it online, or in person during an organised session or at a live event, for example. Our training offer complements the online resources available to REPXPERT members – fitting instructions, video tutorials, repair data, labour times, torque values, product updates and TecDoc parts catalogue to name a few. All aspects of REPXPERT are designed to help technicians in their daily work, learn new skills and inform them of new technologies coming their way in the future. He added: “Workshop owners who support their staff with ongoing training, as well as professional technicians that want to improve their skills by gaining a greater understanding of the vehicles they work on and how the latest systems operate, will be the ones that will secure the future of the independent sector. This is why we are so keen to work with them, train them and provide them with the technical information they need.” For more information, visit: www.repxpert.co.uk Awareness Lastly, as was covered in the news section, OESAA will be running free-to attend regional training sessions across the UK in the New Year. The first OESAA Academy Live is taking place at Lincoln College on Friday 13 January and Saturday 14 January, then at Castleford College on Friday 24 February and Saturday 25 February. DENSO, HELLA, Laser Tools, Schaeffler and VARTA UK have confirmed their attendance at both opening events, with experts from the various companies leading training sessions focused on their field. Lincoln College Learning and Skills Lead – Automotive Engineering, Pete Jackson, said: “The OESAA roadshows allow the two-day events to focus on young people, apprentices and those working in the industry. This includes teachers as well as business owners. One thing that is evident is the want for information and knowledge from everyone I’ve spoken to. It’s great that OESAA members are taking time out to facilitate these events.” OESAA Chairman Nigel Morgan added: “As an organisation, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment and passion in bolstering the technical and business acumen of technicians. Autoinform Live, whether hosted in the UK or Ireland, is always a well-supported event, but we are now ready to expand and take this successful model on the road – inspiring both apprentices and working professionals.” Companies need to invest in simple areas of training to upskill current levels of effectiveness, and due to pressures on business, this isn’t happening ”