IMI delivers remote apprentice EPA under lockdown
Published: 05 May, 2020
The IMI recently delivered the first end point assessment (EPA) in the sector using remote technology, and the organisation now intends to roll out the process for its other Apprenticeship Standards where practical.
Working with industry training business the Calibre Group, the IMI remotely delivered the EPA for its Motor Finance Apprenticeship Standard. Mark Armitage, Head of Membership Products and Services at the IMI commented: The IMI had been planning to implement the remote solution for EPA activities before the Coronavirus pandemic. It was, therefore, easily able to implement the EPA with the Calibre Group earlier this month, avoiding the risk of the apprentice having the completion of his apprenticeship delayed for several months.”
“With the support of the regulator,” added Mark, it has been exciting to see how effectively we can deliver end point assessment during this time of vital social distancing.”
Sabina Hegarty, Managing Director, Calibre Group concluded: “Long before COVID-19 took over our lives, the IMI had already been working hard to improve its digital offering across its range of activities. This has been brilliant for us as a training provider as it aligned well with our own digital approach to training and managing of processes.”
- Apprenticeship Levy rethink urged as COVID-19 impacts on funding
The IMI is warning that COVID-19 could be the cause of a spike in the skills shortage in five years time, due to with employers and training providers currently impacted by the coronavirus being unable to draw down Apprenticeship Levy funding as usual, and the organisation is urging a government rethink on usage.
- IMI launches new international EV training solution
Launching today (Tuesday 11 September) at Automechanika Frankfurt, the IMI is showcasing its new Electric Vehicle eLearning modules designed to transform the way people undertake training within the workplace.
With full-electric car sales in the EU set to reach 200,000 this year, the IMI has connected with Germany’s training academy, Lucas Nülle, to make continual learning convenient and interactive for individuals of all abilities.
Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said: “Making sure that an employer and its employees are ready for the increased number of ultra-low emission vehicles is paramount to future-proofing a business. Being able to service and maintain these vehicles safely should be the key focus, especially when the industry is experiencing the biggest growth in automotive technology that we’ve ever seen.
“Advances in new technology are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the world, and individuals working in the industry should be adopting this new training to make themselves leaders in their area of expertise. It’s an exciting time for the motor industry and the IMI is committed to making sure we’re ready to embrace the changes that are set to transform the sector.”
- Automechanika Birmingham 2019 - Get registered
Visitor registration for Automechanika Birmingham is open. The event will see leading suppliers returning to Birmingham to launch new products and technology for the last time until 2021 as the event will take a biennial frequency after 2019.
- The Garage Inspector - Training dates
The Garage Inspector a.k.a industry consultant Andy Savva has announced a number of one-day business training course dates.
- Future-proofed: Training technicians for the long-term
While experience in the day-to-day activities of a workshop is vital in building a technician’s knowledge and skills, it is only one piece of the puzzle. For example, a technician who has been servicing solely petrol and diesel vehicles for the past 15 years will unlikely be able to help a customer with a hybrid or electric vehicle. What’s more, given the safety concerns involved, it would be dangerous for them to try. What about servicing the latest safety-critical systems, like ADAS? Certainly not a worthwhile risk without the appropriate knowledge or equipment.
Systematic training in new technologies is, therefore, the best way to ensure a workshop will continue to successfully serve aftermarket customers, even in times of rapid change.
“The Auto Education Academy portal from Euro Car Parts brings IMI-approved online and practical courses together with a database of over 500,000 resolved technical queries, with an average of 600 new repairs added daily,” observed Adam White, Workshop Solutions Director at Euro Car Parts. “It provides technicians with one of the largest technical training and knowledge resources in the independent aftermarket.”
“Training is an integral part of ongoing success in this industry,” continued Adam. “It allows technicians to further their career and workshop owners to develop a highly-skilled team of professionals.”
While many would agree to education’s importance in principle, it can be difficult to carry out a training plan and accept lost revenue in the short-term. Online learning can provide the flexibility to bridge that gap.
“Repairers can login to their own skills portal to view the content of more than 75 different courses, registering and booking their place on training workshops all over the country at the click of a button,” said Adam. “They can also assess their strengths and identify weaknesses in nine key areas: Petrol engines, diesel engines, engine management and emissions, vehicle electronics, hybrid and electric cars, brakes, powertrain, tyres, steering and suspension, as well as air-conditioning.
“Results are automatically added to an interactive skills diagram, illustrating a repairer’s current skillset and enabling them to set their own training and development targets. Where gaps exist, the learner management system intuitively recommends Auto Education courses that can help increase knowledge in those areas.”
Invaluable
“The platform has been designed so that anybody can complete a skills overview,” pointed out Adam. “This makes the tool invaluable to workshop managers looking to monitor staff skillsets or test potential hires. Our new learning portal represents a significant investment by Euro Car Parts in helping to nurture the knowledge and skills of technicians across the country.
“As with any profession, it is important for technicians to continue professional development throughout their career. It is also the role of managers to identify gaps in their team and commit staff to training that will address shortcomings in the workshop’s capabilities. For more immediate solutions, the programme features a technical helpline that provides fast responses to troubleshooting, repair, diagnostics and technical information queries on any vehicle, from any manufacturer.”
Adam concluded: “For those with an eagerness to learn and evolve, it is an exciting era for the independent aftermarket. “We consider the success of technicians and independent workshops as the foundation of our industry and believe nothing plays a greater role, or makes more of an impact, than education.”
