Mind the skills gap
In his latest article, Martin considers the importance of training to keep one-step ahead of technology
Published: 05 September, 2022
By Martin Pinnell-Brown, Director, Repairify Innovations
The advent of modern cars on the market impacts the body repair industry by making demands on technicians for new advanced repairs that require specific skills to address the new technologies that are presented within the vehicles.
This technological revolution is being led by ADAS. and bodyshops and repair centres, whether they are a single or a multi-site operation, are increasingly looking at introducing calibration services to their offering.
Implications
Adding this service to the work portfolio is good for business as it is a growing market. However, it has implications. Businesses need to provide the requisite training to technicians to enable them to carry out ADAS-related repairs safely and in a timely manner. They need to be able to work on vehicles from a specific vehicle manufacturer and will need the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the job is done correctly and to the highest standards recommended by both the training body and the OEM.
An example of the training available is the IMI ADAS AOM230 certification, which all the members of the Repairify UK team have completed. This certification ensures that the person that completes the course can identify and correctly interpret information relating to a specific vehicle and its ADAS features to determine which method of calibration is required.
Although the training is an essential introduction to ADAS repairs, the technician never stops learning on the job, but it does ensure that the engineer follows the best practice during the diagnosis and repair phases of the work. This then helps minimise vehicle downtime and, in turn, leads to a reduction in key-to-key times and prevents further costs to the business.
Top tips
Here are Repairify’s expert top tips when it comes to calibrating ADAS systems:
Remember that an ADAS system can be affected by anything that can change the sensor detection or location. Next, digest all the calibration instructions on the diagnostic tool before starting work.
Take your time when doing the calibration because if you rush the set-up, it increases the chance of the calibration not being completed properly. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground during static calibrations.
Lastly, road test the vehicle after calibration ensuring the systems are working correctly, and complete certification that complies with IIR requirements.
- Autodata launches online training platform
Autodata has launched a new online training offering; Autodata Training. The subscription service offers 350 technical training videos. Topics covered include electrical and mechanical fundamentals, advanced diagnostics, plug-in hybrids, pure electric vehicles and ADAS.
- 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.”
- Thatcham launches IMI-accredited ADAS course
Thatcham Research has today (Friday 25 October) launched IMI-accredited ADAS calibration training, designed to close what it classifies as an emerging skills gap. Since the publication of its ‘Managing vehicle repairs involving ADAS’ document in May, Thatcham Research has been engaged in industry consultation with industry associations and bodies, including the IMI, SMMT, BVRLA, NBRA and IGA.
- Cool as ICE? Petrol and diesel dominates 2021 used car market
Used electrifed vehicle sales lept up in 2021, but the vast majority of second hand cars sold during the year still had an internal combustion engine, according to the full-year used car sales figures from the SMMT.
- MP opens new RMI Academy of Automotive Skills Lincoln site
The fourth RMI Academy of Automotive Skills training site in Lincoln was officially opened today (Monday 27 September) by local MP Karl McCartney.
This new facility is part of the RMI’s aim of addressing the skills shortage in the automotive industry by providing affordable training for garages on a more local basis.
Stuart James, RMI Director commented: “As the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars approaches, the lack of technicians skilled in hybrid and electric vehicle repair is one of the biggest threats to this plan. We would like to thank Mr McCartney for supporting our efforts in this step forward to provide the skills needed for technicians in the local community to repair the growing number of hybrid and electric vehicles on our roads.”
MP for Lincoln Karl McCartney added: “I am absolutely delighted to see a new training centre for automotive technicians opening within my constituency, offering as it does a wonderful opportunity for young people in our community to learn skills that will support them for the rest of their lives. But by partnering a fantastic long-standing local firm with a dedicated expert professional body, to focus on Hybrid and EV vehicle training, this particular centre also puts Lincoln at the cutting edge of technology.This will offer a double-whammy of opportunity for trainees and the sector as a whole, at a time when only around 5% of technicians in the UK are currently qualified to work on these vehicles.”
The new training site joins established facilities in Runcorn, Winchester and Southam, where a range of MOT and technical training courses are available.
For more information visit RMItrainingAcademy.co.uk
