Training & wellbeing 47 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2026 Early, proactive support makes a real difference smaller suppliers, it added another layer of uncertainty and worry. This was because many people were already managing high levels of stress, pressure and worries about their finances. Shocks and disruption are undoubtedly part of modernday business. Whether driven by economic conditions, technological change, or global events, further challenges are likely to arise. The important question for all of us is how we improve resilience so that people are better supported when pressure rises. Too often, stress and burnout are framed as individual issues. In reality, they are influenced by workload, culture, financial wellbeing and the wider, complex external landscape people are navigating. Supporting health and wellbeing is about creating the conditions in which people can perform and thrive - now and for the long-term. Encouragingly, we know that early, proactive support makes a real difference. Organisations that have open conversations, are inclusive, monitor employee workload, promote healthy recovery time, and support financial wellbeing tend to see stronger engagement, lower absence, and improved productivity. This is a practical investment in long-term performance, not just a ‘nice to have’. At Ben, our role is to support individuals and work alongside employers across the automotive industry to build awareness of the services and tools we provide and encourage a more preventative approach. Early intervention is so important. Employee health and wellbeing shouldn’t only be a focus during a crisis; it needs to be part of how a business operates day-to-day. Automotive has always been defined by innovation and resilience. Applying that same long-term thinking to the health and wellbeing of automotive workers is essential. When we look after the people who power this sector and drive it forward, we strengthen the whole industry – and that can only be a good thing for us all. Last year’s disruption at JLR can be seen as an important reminder of how connected the automotive ecosystem is and how an unexpected event can affect a sector that is already under strain. It also shows how important it is to put support in place for automotive people. If we want a competitive, innovative, and sustainable automotive sector, we need to continue prioritising the health and wellbeing of the people who are the driving force behind it. ben.org.uk LKQ Academy expands EV training by 50% LKQ Academy is increasing the number of seats available on its electric and hybrid vehicle training courses by 50% in 2026, bringing the number of seats across its EV courses from 1,000 to 1,500 to help address the aftermarket skills gap. Research published by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in February 2025 found that only one in four (26%) UK technicians are qualified to work on electric vehicles (EVs), with skills spread unevenly across the regions. It also found that the number of technicians gaining an EV qualification in Q3 2025 fell by around 13% compared to Q1 of the same period. LKQ Academy’s increase in availability reflects strong demand from technicians last year, with workshops looking to future-proof their businesses and stay competitive as the car parc continues to evolve. It also helps tackle the skills gap and ensures independent garages can confidently keep EV and hybrid work in-house. The LKQ Academy offers EV training programmes at all skill levels. Among the courses available are the Level 2 and 3 IMI Award in Electric/Hybrid (covering routine maintenance activities, repair and replacement), the Level 4 Award (diagnosis, testing and repair of electric and hybrid vehicles and components), and the ‘Becoming an EV Workshop’ course, which prepares office staff and the workshop for electric vehicle servicing. www.lkqacademy.co.uk
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