Surveying our network of over 450 temporary vehicle technicians and MOT testers during the unprecedented lockdown, we have responded to calls for greater training by launching our own platform on Our Virtual Academy - enabling contractors to access FREE training.
In addition, as the training provision will incorporate courses in Hybrid and Electric vehicles, the move is also set to underpin our objective to make all contractors fully conversant in these vehicles by the end of 2020.
Following the survey results which saw 60% say they would like to undertake further training, we have invested in the site and developed an exclusive platform with Our Virtual Academy. With access to over 170 online training chapters, tutorials and final tests, our contractors can fully maximise the current enforced downtime to upskill.
With over 70% of technicians seeking employment through Autotech Recruit citing lack of progression as the overriding factor for them wanting to move on, our company has always been a driving advocate for lifelong learning within the industry - and our dedicated Autotech Training division is testament to this.
"While supporting the industry as a whole with training provisions, we have used this lockdown period to speak to our contractors and understand what they are looking for to take their careers to the next level," comments Simon King, Managing Director of Autotech Recruit.
"With training factoring highly amongst them, we have brought forward plans to create a training platform and worked with Our Virtual Academy to launch our own online provision which is immediately available to our contractors."
While virtual courses have previously been available to our contractors at a discount, this isn't the first time Autotech Recruit has provided free training. In 2018, the company launched its Manufacturer Led Recruitment Programme to help leading UK car manufacturers overcome significant loss of revenue through the skills shortage. Under the programme, a group of regionally-based temporary vehicle technicians are sent on an intensive training course, at each manufacturer's dedicated training facility, to ensure they are trained to their specific standards before filling labour shortfalls.
"As temporary technicians, our contractors have the ability to take control of their own career progression. We are dedicated to supporting their ambitions, and providing them with training provisions where we possibly can to not only demonstrate our commitment to them but to ensure that they remain agile within this rapidly evolving industry.
"Effectively, we are putting our money where our mouth is."
Alongside Electric and Hybrid vehicle training, Autotech Recruit contractors will also gain access to a vast array of nationally recognised training content such as emissions, diesel diagnostics and air conditioning servicing.