www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2025 Garage visit 53 requires so many skills sets to service, maintain and repair one single unit.” With skills being in short supply, Tim said the industry is right to encourage young people to join its ranks. “We’ve worked with apprentices within the team for as long as I can remember, but we also dropped the ball five or so years ago. “But we realised as a business a few years ago that we needed to act because our skills pool was limited and have taken on three apprentices in the last three years.” One of those apprentices has since successfully passed and the other two are working towards gaining their apprenticeship standards. “We consider facilities, support and the environment we work in to be a vital part of this process. I’d encourage all garages to act now and take on apprentices in different areas of the business, starting with technicians but certainly not ending there. It isn’t too late, but we need to ramp this up. “Winning awards, as we did last year, is great for our team and will also have a positive impact on bringing in new talent.” Tim’s comments came after Oldfields celebrated a double win at Herefordshire Ludlow & North Shropshire College Awards shortly before Christmas. Owen Lloyd was named Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year at the awards. In addition, Oldfields was honoured with the Apprentice Employer of the Year Award. “Owen is a shining example of the future of the automotive industry,” Tim said. “We are incredibly proud of him for receiving this well-deserved recognition. He has shown tremendous promise, and his achievements reflect his commitment to excellence in his trade.” Owen made headlines recently by becoming the youngest vehicle technician in the UK to achieve an Institute of the Motor Industry level 3 qualification in hybrid and electric vehicles at just 19 years of age. Owen said: “I’ve learned so much and had so many opportunities to develop my skills, especially in electric vehicles, which I’m really passionate about. I’m grateful to everyone at Oldfields for their support, and it’s great to see my hard work paying off.” Oldfields has picked up three major accolades over the past year alone, including being named Garage of the Year at the 2024 British Independent Garage of the Year Awards. “At Oldfields Garage, we believe in nurturing and developing the next generation of skilled technicians,” said Tim. “It’s been a pleasure watching Owen grow, and we’re committed to continuing to offer top-quality apprenticeships to help young people succeed in this rewarding industry.” The multi-award-winning garage provides MOT testing, servicing, diagnostics, and repairs for a wide range of cars and vans, including EVs. The business was also a finalist in the 2024 Top Garage competition. “Winning awards, as we did last year, is great for our team and will also have a positive impact on bringing in new talent,” Tim said. Technician, Owen Lloyd (left) with Tim Benson Phil Dallow, Owen Lloyd, and Tim Benson
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