News 13 www.aftermarketonline.net September 2024 A newly qualified vehicle technician at a Nissan dealership in Somerset has been congratulated on his achievement. Angus Brown, 21, a member of the aftersales team at FJ Chalke Nissan Wincanton, recently qualified as a level 3 light vehicle technician with the help and support of the FJ Chalke Academy. Brown was something of a star pupil, passing all his practical and theory exams at the first attempt, the dealership said. Additionally, he diligently completed his off-the-job hours and job cards, key requirements for the level 3 qualification. Brown said: ‘‘I found my apprenticeship very enjoyable, although it was hard work at times. It’s great to work with such a closeknit team of colleagues and I’ve really enjoyed my career with the company so far.’’ Asked if he had any advice for apprentices following in his footsteps, he said: ‘‘Try not to get behind in your studies — it can be difficult to catch up! And don’t be afraid to ask questions — after all, everyone around you has been in the same position at the start of their careers.’’ Academy manager Kezia Fowler said the team is “super-proud” of Brown, who attained the qualification after three years of hard work. “His journey with us so far has been marked by his determination and passion for the automotive industry.” ૻ1R TXLFN Ꭾ [ IRU JDUDJH skills crisis’, PM told Easy2Recruit has warned there can be “no quick fix” to resolve the skills crisis facing garages and the automotive sector — despite the government’s launch of a new Skills England body. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said on July 22 the new body would “bring together the fractured skills landscape” and boost skills training across the nation. Easy2Recruit CEO and founder Ambi Singh (pictured), whose agency specialises in helping UK garages and automotive businesses hire high-quality overseas talent, said the government should be praised for launching Skills England so soon after taking office. However, he said ramping up apprenticeships in the garage sector would take time. “We cannot expect this new organisation to be able to immediately correct decades of drift on the skills front,” said Singh, whose agency specialises in helping UK garages and automotive businesses hire high-quality overseas talent. Starmer said Skills England will be set up in phases over the next year. The new body will replace the existing Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the move was needed because the existing skills system is “fragmented and broken”. Once set up, Skills England will work alongside the Migration Advisory Committee to identify where skills are required to cut down on the need to bring in overseas workers. However, Singh said: “There needs to be a range of recruitment options available. Garages are increasingly looking overseas to fill technician roles for the simple reason that there are not enough mechanics available in the UK.” He cited Institute of the Motor Industry figures indicating that the automotive sector faces a 160,000 staff shortfall by 2030, with many of these being vehicle technicians. “It will take a long time to nurture a new generation of technicians, and until the apprenticeship system is functioning properly again, garages will need to source overseas staff.” Dealership praise for newly TXDOLᎮ HG WHFKQLFLDQ $QJXV Angus Brown receives his qualification from Kezia Fowler and the Wincanton aftersales team. Integrate your sales, stock management, accounting and reporting processes in one easy-to-use package. Business management software designed for the Automotive aftermarket Autopart Used by 7/10 Motor factors For further information or to request a demo, please visit www.mamsoft.co.uk/autopart or call us on 01226 352901
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