Recruit and retain 45 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2025 Garages tap overseas talent in recruitment boost Two garages have turned to recruitment agency Easy2Recruit in recent months to boost their skills base. Midlands-based garage chain A1 Clutches recruited a mechanic from India with the help of the agency and Nidhin Morath became part of the workforce in November. Originally from Kerala, he was already working abroad at a multi-brand workshop in the United Arab Emirates before coming to the UK to join A1 at the company’s Tipton site. A1 Clutches CEO and founder Amrik Singh said Nidhin, who brings with him 12 years of sector experience, has already proved himself to be a great addition to the team. “We were looking for mechanics that would be able to concentrate on clutch and gearbox work, which means we needed the best possible candidates. With no one available locally, we decided to look further afield. “He is quickly learning our speciality and is taking on more work every day.” Amrik got in touch with Easy2Recruit, who were able to provide several potential candidates. Once A1 chose Nidhin, Easy2Recruit were able to manage all the immigration paperwork, as well as source accommodation. “The whole process was incredibly smooth,” said Amrik. “Now Nidhin is working with us, and he has quickly adapted to A1 Clutches’ fast-paced environment, bringing knowledge, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic to the team.” A1 Clutches has been operating since 1990. The firm has a total of four sites including Birmingham, Cannock and Derby. Meanwhile, the Lincoln branch of national garage chain IN‘n’OUT Autocentres has also turned to Easy2Recruit. KK Mydeen became part of Lincoln’s IN‘n’OUT team in November and is the first overseas technician to be employed within the group. He brings with him many years of franchised dealer outlet experience built up working in Qatar. “KK is a great addition to the team here at IN‘n’OUT Lincoln,” said centre principal Ben Schofield. “Easy2Recruit made the whole process really simple. Since he has joined us, we have built a training programme for him, and he is now busy on servicing, brakes and steering and suspension work. He is fitting in well.” IN’n’OUT’s network includes more than 30 workshops across England and Wales. The firm’s Lincoln facility is one of a growing number of pop-up cube sites operated by the business. These purpose-built prefabricated units are set up in popular locations near local amenities, prioritising convenience for customers. With two scissor lifts and two MOT bays, the Lincoln site is designed to run with a small number of staff, but when Ben began managing the facility in June, it was already one mechanic short, and none could be found locally. “We tried to recruit in the area but had no luck,” Ben said. “I am a member of the employers’ board at Lincoln College, and I am more than aware of how difficult it can be to attract garage staff.” IN’n’OUT already held a Home Office certificate of sponsorship (COS) licence needed to employ overseas staff but had yet to use it. With the COS in hand, Ben contacted Easy2Recruit — which identified likely candidates and facilitated interviews. After KK’s selection, the agency then sourced accommodation and got him to Lincoln. Ben said with older mechanics leaving the industry, and a growing shortfall of new technicians entering the sector, more garages should be looking at the overseas route. “These technicians are available, motivated and can be brought into the UK relatively easily. So, the ability to fill the gap is there.” Easy2Recruit founder and CEO Ambi Singh said: “Studies continue to show that there are just not enough mechanics to meet industry demand, so more garages are looking to our solution to solve their own shortages.” Visit https://www.easy2recruit.co.uk for details about staffing possibilities through Easy2Recruit. Nidhin Morath at work at A1 Clutches KK Mydeen finds a new career sweet spot in Lincoln with Ben Schofield
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