EMBRACE APPRENTICESHIPS TO HELP PLUG THE SKILLS GAP

The Institute of the Motor Industry is urging workshops to embrace apprenticeships – funding is available through the Government’s apprenticeship levy scheme, yet the latest data in the IMI’s Automotive Education Report suggests this is underutilised, meaning many businesses are missing out.

On average, 65% of all apprenticeships in the UK are supported by levy funds, but just 52% of automotive apprenticeships received such support in 2022, leaving the sector in the bottom third of all UK sectors hiring apprentices.

Starter figures appear more encouraging, with 43% more automotive apprenticeship starts in 2021/22 than in 2020/21. However, this is still 13% lower than pre-Covid levels in the 2019/20 academic year.

“Compared to other industries, automotive had the 6th largest year-on-year percentage increase in apprenticeship starts last year,” commented Joanna Hollingdale, Careers and Student Membership Manager of the IMI. “However, levels have a long way to go before they reach pre-Covid levels, which were already falling. The need to act now is becoming more urgent by the day. We already do not have enough qualified professionals to meet the growing demand for technicians trained to work on the latest and most innovative vehicles –including electric, hybrid and ADAS-equipped.”

With support from the apprenticeship levy, employers with a total annual pay bill of less than £3million pay just 5% of the cost of their apprenticeship training while the Government pays the rest.

The IMI is urging any employer unsure about what funding they can access to contact its support team who can provide guidance and support. To find out more visit https:// tide.theimi.org.uk/apprenticeships-epa/provideapprenticeship/levy

Ben Launches New Series Of Virtual Challenge Events

Ben, the automotive industry charity, is inviting the whole automotive community to take on Benathlon and exercise in their own way to raise vital funds and support those who are struggling or in crisis.

The first Benathlon runs from 10th to 24th March. To take part, each participant, or team of up to 4, will cover a total of 1,283 miles and can choose where and how they complete the challenge, walking, cycling, running, swimming, or even by horse riding or skipping – or a mixture of whatever you choose!

It’s free to take part but the minimum fundraising requirement is £75 per person. Those taking part will track their progress online and be able to see their location on the virtual 1,283-mile route which starts and finishes at Ben’s Headquarters near Ascot and visits some of the UK’s most iconic race circuits. Virtual medals and titles will be awarded for various achievements.

Ben’s Matt Wigginton, says: “We are very excited to be launching our new virtual challenge event series, Benathlon! In the current economic climate, Ben needs the automotive industry’s backing now more than ever so that we can continue to support those who are struggling or in crisis. Many people are looking to improve their fitness and achieve something great at this time of year so now is the perfect time to challenge yourself, challenge your colleagues and support our automotive industry family!

Find out more and sign up at https://ben.org.uk/ benathlon/

The latest autotech test is now available for you to take. This one looks at troubleshooting fundamentals, best methods, and is a logic check for the real-world fault assessments being carried out in workshops up and down the land.

This test has been created by VAG specialist, Gareth Davies, and presents the real data and investigation of faults on an Audi A3 within a multiple choice format. Once completed online, you’ll be sent your results with feedback material on the questions and subject areas. Gareth comments: “There’s a sizeable archive of autotech assessments that are a great way to have a skills brush up, all at a time to suit you and in total confidence. It will help you identify subject areas that you may not have had either the experience or opportunity to delve into and, as a result, create a great pathway to focus on the stuff you want or need to be learning to be the best you can be at the ever complexing rate of technological progression we face in the independent aftermarket.” autotech is an evolving bank of free, confidential online assessments created by independent automotive trainers. All you need to do is enter a few details at https://autotechnician.co.uk/registration/ click an automated email reply and you get instant, free access to the multiple choice tests focussing on various topics and scenarios, including: Energy requirements of similar vehicles; Case Study – P0303; The SCR system; Hybrid & EV; Common sensors used in spark ignition engine management systems; Oscilloscope Quiz; Testing electrical components; Electrical Test; LIN Bus; CANBus; Diesel & Ignition case study!

Gain free access to free skills tests now!

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