December/January 2022

Above: DENSO training session at Autoinform Live T he ever-quickening development of advanced automotive technology coupled with the effects of the pandemic has created a perfect storm for independents seeking to enhance their skill-sets and knowledge. To alleviate these pressures, Delphi Technologies has launched a new e-learning platform; the Delphi Technologies Academy. The platform offers a route to blended learning, complementing hands-on, classroom- based tuition with virtual training. Delphi Technologies Aftermarket Technical Services Manager Phil Mitchell commented: “The implementation of the Delphi Technologies Academy allows us to cover even more vehicle systems. For example, together with the staple courses on brakes, engine and steering and suspension systems, we can now offer instant access to industry-leading ADAS and hybrid/EV training, the latter spanning everything from instruction videos on how to safely lift a hybrid or electric vehicle through to detailed overviews of the very latest OE systems. “We’re able to offer over 200 courses, delivering a combination of theory and how-to videos, with new modules being added every month. Additionally, the digital nature of the platform has allowed us to introduce new features that help delegates engage with the course in an interactive way. For example, diagnostic training is aided by an engine simulator that allows users to replace or isolate different components in a virtual environment to help identify the root cause of an issue.” Support Staying with digital offerings, in addition to the existing Nissens Training Concept (NTC), the company is introducing a new Product Support portal. This will offer video installation guides, filter replacement part details by make and model, and more. Nissens Automotive Marketing Manager Jan Zieleskiewicz commented: “We aim to set technicians up for success by providing the resources they need to carry out their service and repair work to the highest standard. With several thousand trainees and active users of our electronic courses, plans to include more NTC learning modules are forging ahead. This success has further spurred the expansion of the Product Support portal. The objective is to make access to our shared knowledge even easier than before.” The portal will supersede printed materials, which Nissens Automotive is phasing out by the end of 2022. For more information, visit: www.nissens.com/support Opportunity While virtual training is a pivotal part of DENSO’s overall offering, the company was pleased to be getting back out to offer training in-person, both one-to-one and at national events. DENSO Europe Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich explained: “During the height of the pandemic, face-to-face training was not possible, which accelerated our move to use digital platforms for this vital part of the support we offer the independent sector. Although our e-Learning channel and The League of True Mechanics (LOTM) competition remain important tools, as restrictions continue to ease, face-to-face training again becomes a reality. This is why we were eager and excited to join several other original equipment manufacturers at the AutoInform Live event in Wolverhampton on 6-7 November. “The event was a great success as our two technical experts, Richard Groot and Steve Turner, engaged with many of the 200 attendees to discuss the many products in the DENSO range. Richard then held an air conditioning seminar with 50 delegates during which he expanded on the service, repair and troubleshooting aspects of the complex, but increasingly relevant, subject.” Fatiha added: “As ongoing access to up-to-date training remains vital, all our previous webinars, current training modules and most recent ‘DENSO in the Workshop’ A/C oil condition assessment video, are available online. Technicians can also still sign up to the LOTM competition and be in with the chance to win some fabulous prizes.” For more information, visit: www.denso- technic.com/uk/ Calibre Another leading name at Autoinform Live was Dayco. Commenting on their presence at the event, Dayco National Sales Manager Steve Carolan said: “Autoinform Live proved to be a great event for us, largely because the calibre of the visitors was so high, which came across most clearly in the level of engagement we had from them and just how much they wanted to learn and increase their workplace skills. 48 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS www.aftermarketonline.net GET WITH THE PROGRAMME Training continues to be absolutely vital, so individual technicians and whole businesses can continue to progress and take on the latest tech