MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2023 AFTERMARKET 21 of online learning. The Delphi Technologies Academy was launched in late 2021 and provides flexible elearning solutions. The growth of its Academy has been rapid with around 1,200 users gaining flexible access to over 300 courses and modules, all of which have been compiled by Delphi Technologies’ expert in-house trainers. “The Delphi Technologies Academy gives a convenient way to enhance skills and knowledge without the challenges of attending physical training,” said Luke. “There’s a training Needs Assessment which includes a series of questionnaires and online practicals before suggesting modules to complete tailored to that user. Hybrid and electric vehicle training is the perfect example of the benefits of a true blended learning experience. For the more advanced EV course we provide 6 hours of online pre-learning on electrical systems to try and get the foundation knowledge of electrical principle to then build upon in the training centre.” Delphi’s combined e-learning offering comprises 16 courses on vehicle electrics, hybrid and EV alone. In all, there’s a total of over 100 modules varying in length from a couple of minutes to nearly an hour each. “Online can also be great for reinforcement or showing specific things that can’t easily be staged in the training centre,” said Luke. “For the technicians there’s also the benefit of being able to learn at their own pace.” Industry-recognised IMI qualifications Delphi is at the forefront of delivering structured training with more than 70% of delegates following a defined training pathway, mapped to industryrecognised IMI qualifications. Available paths include IMI Fast Fit, Service / Diagnostic and Master Technician assessments. The first two are Level 2 accreditations, with Diagnostic Technician being a Level 3 and Master Tech a Level 4. Each of the pathways provides between four and seven modules which are one or two days in duration. IMI Accreditation is then dependent upon completing an additional assessment day afterwards. “We’ve got a framework of content that can be flexed to many different requirements,” said Luke. “Other routes can be mapped out in consultation with our trainers.” Videos typically include an easily digested overview, concluding with a quiz to test learning. An Advanced Lighting Technologies course for example takes just 25 minutes to complete, introducing the various types of lighting used on current vehicles including LED and laser lights. “Instead of being a passive component, adaptive headlights become an active system reliant on data from a calibrated camera installed on the car,” said Luke. “Yet something as simple as incorrect tracking can upset these functions.” Key technologies for independent garages in 2023 Delphi’s training content is regularly reviewed and updated, particularly the online Delphi Technologies Academy. “We’ve focused around the emerging new technologies,” said Luke. “This means autonomous Advanced Driver Assist Systems - or ADAS - systems such as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and adaptive headlights as well as of course vehicle electrification. Training on this technology is absolutely vital for safety first and foremost, after that, garages need confidence and technical competence to start working profitably.” Four of the five most popular training courses relate to EVs and hybrids. The latest figures from the SMMT show why. 2022 saw registration of electric vehicles surge at the expense of petrol and especially diesel. Diesel registration fell 38.9% compared to the previous year. On the flipside of the coin, battery EV registrations rose over 40% to 267,000. In fact, total hybrid and EV sales exceeded petrol and diesel engine vehicles combined, with 52.6% share. Delphi has the blended learning Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Level 3 course to allow technicians to work safely on high voltage systems, as well as petrol and diesel hybrid systems. “This would enable a technician to disable and power up high voltage system safely to change components,” said Luke. “All our EV training carries IMI TechSafe recognition too, demonstrating they are fully qualified to be working on EVs. Beyond this, there’s a two-day Level 4 course which covers diagnostics. With the power off, faultfinding can be difficult so this course goes much more deeply into diagnosing live high voltage systems including high voltage battery repairs from different manufacturers. The UK aftermarket has been talking about hybrid and EVs as a future opportunity for years, but over the last 18 months we’ve seen a shift with many more garages looking to get involved now.” This urgency is due to the looming 2030 deadline, dire warnings from policymakers over unpreparedness for our EV future and the baseline business case rising numbers of EV vehicles presents. Information on the Delphi Technologies Academy can be found at: https://academy.delphiautoparts. com Full training details available here: https://www.delphiautoparts.co m/gbr/en/training/training Technicians can find hints and tips on the new Masters of Motion hub: https://mom.delphiautoparts.co m/en A modest ongoing investment in training over several years can pay for itself in making it easier to attract new technicians ”
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