December/January 2022

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 AFTERMARKET 49 “We undertook four one-and-a-half hour seminars per day, two focusing on water pump replacement and the other two on the auxiliary drive system. Because the level of interaction between attendees and presenters and interest in the subjects was so high, every one of these sessions overran, and one lasted more than two hours.” Steve added: “Technical education at all levels of the industry is paramount to its ongoing success and, as this positive experience demonstrates, there are keen and committed technicians out there who really want to develop their skills and do the best possible job they can. To that end, it’s our goal to help the entire trade to reach that standard, which is why Dayco is not only committed to supplying OE quality products and the best possible technical advice, but first-class training as well.” For more information, visit: www.dayco.com Full circle Moving over to the crash repair side, Mirka is continuing to offer training programmes to enable bodyshops to invest in their technicians. Steve Smith, National Sales Manager ART Mirka UK, commented: “We see our training as offering a full circle for the customer because once a full evaluation has been carried out, an action plan is agreed and implemented, and all training is documented and followed up with regular review meetings to monitor progress. This enables Mirka to customise the programmes we undertake with customers based on their needs and requirements. It also ensures the business can reap the benefits of the training in the short, medium and long term.” In addition to the standard training Mirka’s ATA-accredited technical team offers, it also trains apprentices; “This is done to ensure the new kids on the block have access to knowledge and skills that will aid in their growth and development in the industry.” Courses can be run on-site or at Mirka’s Milton Keynes training centre. Steve commented: “When attending the training centre, the technical team has noticed that attendees ask a lot more questions. What needs to be remembered is that training is here to stay as it is a key bridge to reduce the skills gap, but businesses should keep it simple. Our recommendation is to choose the right programmes for them and their employees rather than following what the majority might do.” For more information, visit: www.mirka.com/uk Access Training needs to be available through the year for garages. Commenting on how the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills is bringing training where it is needed, RMI Academy General Manager Paul Darwell observed: “The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills was set up for the benefit of the industry by the RMI in 2015, to help address the skills shortage in the automotive sector. We believe that all garages should have access to high-quality, affordable and local training, and as a trade body we can provide this with no commercial interests. Our fourth training site opened earlier this year in Lincoln, joining existing locations in Runcorn, Winchester and Southam, and more are set to open across the country as we continue in our mission to make training available to garages on a more local basis. “A wide range of weekly courses are available to all garages in the motor trade, although RMI members receive preferential prices as a benefit of membership. Courses include MOT Tester training for cars, motorcycles and Class 5 vehicles, MOT Centre Management, courses for aspiring MOT testers requiring a Level 3 qualification, and a vast array of technical training. “Annual training support is also available, and we work closely with DVSA to ensure that testers can confidently complete their mandatory requirements. With the 2021/22 MOT annual training deadline looming, testers will be suspended if they do not complete their training and assessment by 31 March 2022. Over 4,000 testers were automatically suspended last year, so don’t get caught out. Six annual training packages are available with the RMI Academy if your testers need support, including classroom training, regional events and on-site training. Alternatively, our self-study workbooks and interactive e-learning platform allow testers to learn from home.” Evolving On how the growing complexity of vehicles is being addressed, Paul observed: “The RMI Academy offers a growing collection of technical training to help garages provide services in an ever-evolving marketplace. For example, the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the roads is growing rapidly, but high voltage vehicles pose some serious health and safety risks if the correct procedures aren’t followed. We offer a full suite of EV training up to Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 to ensure that your technicians can confidently and safely work on hybrid and electric cars. Members of the IGA can currently book the Level 3 course at a heavily subsidised rate of £250, so don’t miss out if you’re a member.” He added: “ADAS is another area which garages are choosing to invest in. With the EU making a number of ADAS technologies mandatory in new vehicles from May 2022, it is vital that technicians have the knowledge to service and calibrate vehicles with ADAS fitted. Two ADAS courses are available at the RMI Academy to help your technicians expand their knowledge of these systems.” For more information, visit RMItrainingAcademy .co.uk We believe that all garages should have access to high- quality, affordable and local training ”