Training 43 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 Schaeffler’s Wrenches & Wisdom campaign, which puts the spotlight on workshop apprenticeships and career possibilities for students in the aftermarket, has recently completed filming a new episode with Dean Lomas. Since launching his ‘The Neurodivergent Mechanic’ YouTube channel last year, Lomas (pictured) has become a recognisable face in the industry. He started his automotive career in 1996, winning the National Modern Apprentice of the Year Award in 2001, in 2011 he went mobile, and he finally opened his successful DC Lomas business in 2016. Last year, he expanded his Cheshire premises and moved into EV repairs, so his perspective of the industry is ideal for Wrenches & Wisdom. And having a career path that many apprentices want to imitate, sharing his experiences in the latest video will hopefully help many wanting to follow in his footsteps. In the latest episode, Lomas explains his journey and how he managed to succeed despite many challenges. He also discusses how the industry can help young people progress their career journey, along with the importance of installing genuine OE quality components. The video is on Schaeffler’s REPXPERT UK social media channels. Meanwhile, Wrenches & Wisdom will continue throughout this year, with the REPXPERT team aiming to visit a host of workshops, talking to garage owners and professional technicians. Visit www.repxpert.co.uk for details. Auto Windscreens MD James MacBeth has hosted talks on the apprenticeship levy and the automotive market at the firm’s Chesterfield head office with the town’s MP. Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield and Staveley and chair of the House of Commons’ Environmental Audit Committee, toured the head office and discussed apprenticeships, the role of technicians and EVs. Perkins, a former shadow minister for apprenticeships and lifelong learning, met Auto Windscreens apprentices at the firm’s training centre and saw ADAS calibration work at first hand. MacBeth said: “We were pleased to show Toby around the business, which is one of the largest employers in the area and has been based in Chesterfield since being founded in 1971.” MacBeth said there had been meaningful discussions about the apprenticeship levy, which the firm does not receive for apprentices in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales. He also called for automotive technician posts to be recognised as a skilled profession. Perkins pledged to raise the issues, including the importance of vehicle safety systems calibration, with ministers. “I was lucky enough to meet some of their apprenticeships and see the skills they need to complete the role,” he said. Perkins also encouraged school leavers to consider apprenticeships alongside university and other career paths. Apprenticeships in focus at Auto Windscreens messages that resonate with tech-savvy jobseekers including Gen Z — “the true digital natives”. “Advanced innovative developments such as Axalta Irus Scan, Axalta Irus Mix and Axalta Nimbus, the newly launched global customer experience platform for refinish customers, have contributed towards this shift for many bodyshops,” De Groof said. The time it takes to train to start a job in the industry is another possible barrier to entry for young talent. “The refinish industry should take heed of this trend and offer a much shorter training cycle to allow entry into our sector for a ‘taste and-see’ type experience. “We also need to be prepared that they may stay for a while and then move to something else entirely, even if they are satisfied with the job. This diversity is simply part of their career path and not a negative reflection of our industry.” hands-on sessions, AA patrols have access to the academy’s e-learning platform, which offers over 300 interactive modules. This includes technical articles, videos, and simulations to reinforce learning and provide ongoing development opportunities. Darren Naughton, the AA’s training delivery and support specialist, said: “It’s not just about keeping up with the industry, it’s about leading it. Working with Delphi gives us confidence that our patrols are fully prepared for the future of motoring.” Dean Lomas joins Wrenches & Wisdom campaign
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