December/January 2022

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 AFTERMARKET 63 www.aftermarketonline.net TRAINING Suspension video series via BILSTEIN Academy BILSTEIN has issued a series of videos providing tips on suspension systems and shock absorbers via its BILSTEIN Academy. Head of BILSTEIN Academy Rainer Popiol said: “With our workshop tips, we serve the specific needs of our customers in the garage and provide support that automotive professionals can implement directly in their day-to-day work.” The videos offer tips for many suspension-related topics, including suspension basics, common installation errors and air suspension modules, including practical assistance and workshop tips. To view the videos, go to: https://workshop.bilstein.co m/en/suspension- fundamentals The SMMT Apprentice Support Programme, designed to help safeguard the jobs of automotive apprentices working under the shadow of COVID-19 was relaunched by the SMMT Charitable Trust Fund in October, following the conclusion of the furlough on 30 September. The scheme allocated £100,000 to cover all or part of the salaries of apprentices currently employed by small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within the UK automotive industry, when they are at risk of redundancy due to COVID-19 related business pressures. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “The UK automotive industry is built on decades of craftsmanship, engineering excellence and innovation delivered by a highly skilled workforce, and its long-term recovery and growth will depend on retaining and developing this skills base. That’s why it’s so important that we do everything possible to ensure that we don’t let today’s challenges hinder our long-term aspirations. Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s leaders, and this scheme will help protect their jobs now so that they can help drive our future success.” Gareth Jones, Chairman of the SMMT Charitable Trust Fund, added: “As a former technical apprentice myself I can only imagine the devastating impact of losing your apprenticeship, particularly if you are close to completing your qualification. This timely and much needed initiative from the STCF will provide critical and well targeted support to ensure we retain some fantastic talent and potential in our industry.” The scheme, which was open to SMMT member companies, closed to new entries last month. To find our more visit: www.smmt.co.uk/smmt-apprentice-support- programme/ SMMT re-launches Apprentice Support Programme