Making sure that a new generation of talent enters the industry is crucial to its success, Autotech Group shows how it could happen as it launches its AutoTech Academy.
To counteract the shortage of fresh talent entering the automotive aftermarket, Autotech Group has announced the launch of Autotech Academy, a unique initiative providing qualified college leavers with a gateway into the industry through a paid internship.
Through Autotech Academy, college leavers, qualified in Levels 2-3 across a range of automotive courses, will gain valuable experience within an automotive business, with a view to securing full-time, paid employment within 3-12 months.
Working in partnership with both FE colleges and the aftermarket, Autotech Academy will work with colleges to identify the right person with the right qualities, skills and attitude before finding them the right internship position. In turn, garages, or any maintenance repair employer, will pay an hourly rate for a fully vetted, and fully equipped, intern over a 3–12-month period.
Autotech Academy will equip interns with their first toolbox, uniform where applicable and safety workwear. They will also continually monitor the intern’s progress and provide ongoing technical training. This will either be delivered through a vehicle manufacturer’s own training facility, or through equivalent OEM standard training such as Bosch. Every intern will also be trained to Level 2 IMI Electric Vehicle accreditation or training specific to role.
At the end of the agreed internship period, the employer can either decide to employ the intern free of charge on a full-time basis, or not, effectively it’s a ‘try before you buy’ solution.
“Through Autotech Academy, vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and independent garages can expect ROI within 7 weeks.” comments Gavin White, CEO of Autotech Group. “At around six months they will have a fully qualified, brand loyal, trained vehicle technician. It is, essentially, a ‘grow your own’ concept which will help create the steady stream of young talent which the industry vitally needs to thrive.”
