March 2018

MARCH 2018 AFTERMARKET 11 www.aftermarketonline.net engine oil technology is very important when it comes to performance, and i’m honoured to trust morris lubricants with mine /morrislubricants | @morrislubricantsuk| /morris-lubricants| www.morrislubricants.co.uk For our latest automotive product range brochure, please call 01743 232 200 GUYMARTIN Morris Lubricants BrandAmbassador “We can do this by educating companies within the aftermarket who have historically only recruited within the sector to help broaden their expectations and to promote the benefits of working within the industry. Do we need ‘technician licencing’ to be able to do this? I think not, however all a positive initiatives promoting recognition of the professionalism within the sector is surely helpful.” Don’t stop what you’re doing How the industry is viewed is a key issue clearly: “The perception of the motor industry by those outside it creates an image problem that exacerbates many of the issues facing independent garages today and the skills shortage is just one of these” says Terry Gibson, head of member services at the Independent Garage Association (IGA). “However, whilst attracting young people into the industry will solve the problem in the longer term, there is also a need to upskill those already in the industry. This is not limited to hybrid and other new technologies, we face an equal problem in replacing retiring MOT testers where there is an equally pressing need.” The IGA is working towards helping widen the net: “The IGA is working with the Armed Forces to consider how best to address the particular need for MOT testers by helping to retrain skilled and experienced military vehicle fitters to aid in their transition to civilian life and this will work alongside an initiative with a major recruitment company.” While careers advice in schools has been found wanting as we have seen, Terry believes the industry itself is going in the right direction promoting the importance of training and development, so at least existing staff in the sector continue to upskill: “The messages spread by trade bodies and by the specialist trade press focuses heavily on training and development and this article is a good example of that. The opening of the RMI’s Academies of Automotive Skills shows that the industry is promoting training and development for existing technicians. On licensing, Terry observes: “While blanket licensing might, over time raise the perception of the technician role, we do not believe it would be a major influencing factor in deciding on an automotive career for young people today – although in the absence of such licensing anywhere in our industry makes it difficult to predict its effects.” Terry adds: “We must continue to stress the high-tech nature of modern motor vehicles and ensure that the industry is presented in the best light to those outside. To that end the IGA is working with television producers to ensure that the portrayal of the garage trade in popular drama is realistic and representative.” www.aftermarketonline.net If we don’t raise the status of our industry... then how are we going to recruit the next generation? ”