May 2019

A s the car parc for electric and autonomous vehicles grows in the UK, so too does demand for relevant training courses across the aftermarket. However, while embracing new skills is undoubtedly important, repairers should also use this as an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of the basics. Developments in cars and the introduction of ever-more stringent legislation has created training needs for repairers that would have been unthinkable even a decade ago. Last year, for example, the British government introduced mandatory Level 3 National Occupational Standards (NOS) for all UK MOT testers, a move which left many experienced technicians unable to carry out MOTs until they had achieved the correct accreditation. The introduction of this legislation triggered increased industry awareness about the value of training, both for new skills and enhancing knowledge of ‘the basics’. Talking technology The past 10 years has seen a huge leap forwards in vehicular technology. A case in point can be found in braking technology. Whereas fitting brakes was previously straightforward, modern vehicles call for much greater accuracy. On most new wheel hubs, the tolerance for run-out is around 0.03mm. With such miniscule room for error, repairers must therefore take extra care to ensure the hub is fully cleaned before fitting new brakes. Increased technical know-how is also important when working with ADAS technology. ADAS systems were first fitted onto vehicles in the 1990s, but legislation introduced in 2016 mandated all new vehicles to have a minimum of two ADAS systems to qualify for five-star NCAP Safety Rating. However, failure to properly calibrate ADAS technology can lead to longer term, difficult-to-fix issues with the vehicle. ADAS has serious implications for independent repairers, so it’s essential that technicians are equipped to service these accurately – and safely. No train, no gain With cars evolving so rapidly, repairers could be forgiven for attempting to master the highest level of training right away, without fully grasping the basics. For example, most technicians know that all sensors and actuators can be tested using an oscilloscope and will have invested in the equipment. While an oscilloscope is important tool for repairers to own, it’s even more important to have the right training and to recognise the responses it is recording. It is essential, therefore, for repairers to invest in the right training to ensure they stay ahead of the competition. Recognising this, Euro Car Parts last year launched its Auto Education Academy learning management system. The new platform provides repairers with everything they need to take advantage of one of the largest technical and training resources in the independent aftermarket. From the new Auto Education Academy website, repairers can log-in to their own skills portal to view the content of more than 75 different courses, registering and booking their place on training workshops all over the country, all at the click of a button. The system also provides an innovative skills overview function, enabling repairers to assess their strengths and weaknesses across nine key areas: petrol engines, diesel engines, engine management and emissions, vehicle electronics, hybrid and electrical cars, brakes, powertrains, tyres, steering and suspension and air-conditioning. What’s more, anybody can access and complete the skills overview, making the tool particularly useful for workshop owners and managers who want to monitor the skillset of employees. Designed with user- friendliness firmly in mind, the new system has enabled Euro Car Parts to work even more closely with its garage network – and to harness the talented technicians of tomorrow. 26 AFTERMARKET MAY 2019 TOP TECHNICIAN – TOP GARAGE 2019 www.aftermarketonline.net BACK TO BASICS Repairers should use the rise of EVs and hybrids as an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of the basics BY Adam White, Workshop Solutions Director at Euro Car Parts Sponsored by: