Training Focus Events over the past year has changed the way we engage with training. Live training restrictions instigated an abundance of online courses and webinars to plug the gap and provided technicians with a cost-effective, convenient way of updating skills. Many will continue to take advantage of this flexible route but there is nothing quite like attending a course in person – it is easier to demonstrate practical skills and trainers can more easily gauge how attendees are engaging with the content. For delegates, it is also a chance to network, swap contacts and meet others on a similar training journey. The latest webinar by auto:resource from Automechanika Birmingham explored the future of automotive training, considering how the industry had adapted the delivery of necessary training due to 2020 restrictions. A panel of industry experts led the conversation, including author, Tom Denton; Maria McCullough, AutoCare Garage Network Manager; Phill Weller, Network Manager for United Garage Services GroupAuto; Kevin Kelly, Bosch Sales Director UK & Ireland; and James Dillon, Technical Topics.
James Dillon highlighted the growth of online training and its advantages, while Kevin Kelly stressed the continued need for practical options, particularly for apprentices who are proven to benefit from a more hands-on approach. The panel discussed future training priorities, looking at the importance of providing an insight into ADAS technicalities, as well as new legislation and hybrid and electric vehicles technology. The need to adopt an ongoing training strategy was emphasised by James Dillon, commenting: “No one is a fully trained technician and therefore continual professional development is essential.” Tom Denton agreed, saying: “Good quality training should be considered as an investment rather than a cost.” A poll asked attendees what the training priorities should be for 2021, with 51 percent of respondents believing companies should focus on electric and hybrid training. The panel agreed that a blended approach would be important to maintain and evolve knowledge and skills, using a mix of live, practical training and online learning. Here, we look at the training offered by a number of organisations in the form of live and online sessions...
AUTOINFORM LIVE 2021
Visitors will get to view the latest OE products, technology and tooling available and enjoy the gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Experts from OE suppliers, such as Dayco, Banner
Batteries and VARTA, are scheduled to speak, as are Dave Massey, James Dillon and Andy Savva. As usual, attendees are given the option of registering for one of three groups, depending on which topics suit their needs; from ADAS and AdBlue to batteries and brakes, there will be something for everyone to take away and apply to their own business. To book a ticket, visit www.oe-suppliers.org/autoinform-groups.
TRAINING
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association will hold Autoinform Live 2021 at the GTG Academy in Wolverhampton, during the weekend of the 6th and 7th November. Guest speakers and garage management, diagnostic equipment and tool suppliers will champion the benefits of OE quality.
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