A Motor Ombudsman poll of garages and workshops accredited to the body’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, has revealed that recruiting a sufficient number of mechanics and MOT testers to meet consumer demand was the most significant concern for 67% of respondents when questioned about the main challenges encountered during 2021. The research conducted by the … [Read more...]
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars offering record apprenticeships
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is offering a record number of places on its apprenticeship programme for 2022. Applications are now open for a total of 37 places, making this the largest intake since the scheme's inception in 2006. The number of places available is up by more than 15% on the previous record set in 2020, reflecting the company's strong business performance, new model launches, … [Read more...]
Drivers’ bootcamp squares up to challenges
The Government's plans to boost training for HGV Driver candidates has been welcomed by Logistics UK’s Deputy Director Public Policy, Alex Veitch. He said, “The introduction of HGV Skills Bootcamps will help to attract new individuals into the workforce and are another welcome measure to tackle the driver shortage; Logistics UK is looking forward to working with government to help deliver some … [Read more...]
Winter warning from road safety experts
In 2020, over 18,000 accidents were reported across the UK where rain, snow, fog, or high winds were a contributing factor. More severe road traffic accidents are happening in winter due to motorists being unprepared for driving in winter weather and ignoring weather warnings, and IAM RoadSmart believes now is the time to remind drivers how to drive safely when the temperature drops, and the … [Read more...]
Trade event will be training, technology and tools focused
The new UK Garage and Bodyshop Event has revealed its theme will be ‘Training, Technology and Tools’, as the event hosts a showcase of new technologies, products and training initiatives from leading suppliers. The aim is to support suppliers, garage and bodyshop business owners, technicians, and specialists to futureproof their businesses and careers, while enabling them to tackle the … [Read more...]
Repairers are poorly prepared for rising EV sales
The steep rise in electric vehicle sales is a pivotal moment for all EV stakeholders, writes Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering Research at Thatcham Research. September 2021 was the UK’s best month ever for new battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Not only did the 32,721 new BEV registrations account for 15.2% of the market, … [Read more...]
Apprentices programme relaunched by car makers
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Charitable Trust Fund has re-launched the SMMT Apprentice Support Programme, designed to help safeguard the jobs of apprentices currently working within the automotive industry. The scheme comes following the conclusion of the government-funded furlough scheme. The SMMT Apprentice Support Programme earmarks £100,000 to cover all or part of the … [Read more...]
Motor industry lies at heart of world trade
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has called on government to put the automotive sector at the heart of future trade negotiations, after a new report confirms vehicles are the UK’s single most valuable goods trade export. Vehicle export revenues reached £27 billion in 2020, making them more valuable to the UK than power-generating machinery and gold, even during a year when … [Read more...]
Logistics UK Welsh safety conference
Logistics UK’s popular Transport Manager conference is coming to the St Pierre Marriott, Chepstow on 25 November 2021. The event will highlight key issues for anyone involved in running vehicle fleets, provide professional advice, and help managers remain compliant and up to speed on the latest legislative developments. Topics to be covered at the one-day event will include logistics in urban … [Read more...]
Stellantis step up LCV training for brand technicians
Stellantis is expanding its new Light Commercial Vehicle Training Programme following the immediate success from its launch in April this year. Operated for Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroën retailers, the new Training Programme has 99 Master & Consultant Technicians trained and passed, with an improvement in first time fix rates and a decrease in diagnosis times. Following the initial … [Read more...]