Skills and training 45 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2024 Industrial battery manufacturer and auto aftermarket supplier Yuasa has announced a partnership with UK fire and security training provider Skills for Security. Skills for Security, operating from four-technology-filled training centres across the UK, was established in 2002 and aims to make training accessible for learners and employers alike. Yuasa, whose European HQ is in Swindon, said it support would enable Skills for Security to expand its educational initiatives, including the development of cutting-edge training modules and apprenticeship programs across the UK. Aftermarket attracting broader skills base, survey says The southwest of England has become the most popular region for jobs in the automotive aftermarket — and an increasing number of candidates are coming from outside the sector, according to a new report by Glen Callum Associates (GCA). GCA, a specialist recruitment company in the industry, said its research indicated a significant number of candidates are being drawn from allied industry sectors to fill skills gaps. According to GCA’s third quarter report for 2024, released on October 18, England’s southwest emerged as the most popular job location, which the company said reflected an increase in industry demand in the region. The majority of candidates (60%) were from within the automotive aftermarket, while 40% came from allied sectors, demonstrating an ongoing trend toward skills-based talent acquisition as opposed to recruiting purely for aftermarket expertise. Flexibility in work arrangements also remained a key preference, the report said. In Q3, 50% of placements were for office-based roles, while 44% were remote, and 6% followed a hybrid model. This data reflects a continued emphasis on workplace flexibility, which has been shown to improve employee retention and productivity, GCA said. Notably, 6% of all placements were executive positions, indicating a strong demand for leadership roles as companies focus on long-term growth strategies. Sales, marketing and operations roles dominated in Q3, making up 77% of total placements. Senior executive and management roles followed at 14%, while IT and data jobs represented 9%, underlining the industry’s digital shift. The engagement with allied sectors signalled a broader acceptance of transferable skills, allowing companies to tap into a wider talent pool to tackle skills shortages, said GCA director Kerrie Richards. Fellow GCA director Glen Shepherd said: “As the industry evolves, we recommend taking a proactive approach to hiring that embraces skills-based assessment, enabling businesses to consider candidates from both industryspecific and allied sectors.” Former schoolmates reunite to set careers rolling at ETB Lifelong friends Talia Wilson and Olivia Smolicz are putting a Llanelli autocentre on the map as one of the most female-friendly in the area, after becoming fully fledged tyre fitters – with another apprentice following in their footsteps. The former Bryngwyn Comprehensive School mates, both 18, are forging impressive careers at ETB Autocentres on the Trostre Industrial Estate, in an industry historically synonymous with men. They are now encouraging other girls their age to give the profession a go. Smolicz said: “I never gave the automotive world a thought when I was younger and I only really applied for the role after hearing Talia say so many positive things about her job. “It made me curious and I could see how happy her position was making her feel. I thought that I’d like to give it a go too. I’m so glad that I did, because I’m learning every day and I feel like I’m making a difference for people by ensuring their cars are safe.” “It’s more than just a job – it’s a career I’m really passionate about and I’d encourage other girls to give it a go. They won’t be disappointed. I feel like my voice is heard here and my suggestions and opinions really matter.” On the back of their arrival, a new female apprentice has also joined the ETB ranks. Yuasa energises skills campaign The ETB Llanelli team (from left) Leigh Anthony, Talia Wilson, Mark Long, Thomas Blair, Christopher Young and Olivia Smolicz
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