Overseas technician joins Lincoln garage thanks to Easy2Recruit
13 December 2024 
The Lincoln branch of national garage chain IN‘n’OUT Autocentres has become the latest workshop to tackle its own staff shortage by taking on a technician from India through the Easy2Recruit agency.
KK Mydeen became part of Lincoln’s IN‘n’OUT team in November and is the first overseas technician to be employed within the group. He brings with him many years of franchised dealer outlet experience built up working in Qatar.
“KK is a great addition to the team here at IN‘n’OUT Lincoln,” said centre principal Ben Schofield.
“Easy2Recruit made the whole process really simple. Since he has joined us, we have built a training programme for him, and he is now busy on servicing, brakes and steering and suspension work. He is fitting in well.”
IN’n’OUT’s network includes more than 30 workshops across England and Wales.
Garage staff
The firm’s Lincoln facility is one of a growing number of pop-up cube sites operated by the business. These purpose-built prefabricated units are set up in popular locations near local amenities, prioritising convenience for customers.
With two scissor lifts and two MOT bays, the Lincoln site is designed to run with a small number of staff, but when Ben began managing the facility in June, it was already one mechanic short, and none could be found locally.
Schofield said: “We tried to recruit in the area but had no luck. I am a member of the employers’ board at Lincoln College, and I am more than aware of how difficult it can be to attract garage staff.”
IN’n’OUT already held a Home Office certificate of sponsorship (COS) licence needed to employ overseas staff but had yet to use it.
With the COS in hand, Schofield contacted Easy2Recruit — which identified likely candidates and facilitated interviews. After KK’s selection, the agency then sourced accommodation and got him to Lincoln.
‘Motivated’
Schofield said with older mechanics leaving the industry, and a growing shortfall of new technicians entering the sector, more garages should be looking at the overseas route.
“These technicians are available, motivated and can be brought into the UK relatively easily. So, the ability to fill the gap is there. If I need another mechanic, I will be speaking to Easy2Recruit again.”
Easy2Recruit founder and CEO Ambi Singh said KK is a highly skilled operative who will help to maintain and maximise the profitability of the branch.
“More workshops could be doing the same. With statistics showing that the skills crisis is not going anywhere, aftermarket businesses are increasingly receptive to taking on overseas staff.”
Latest Institute of the Motor Industry analysis, reported by Aftermarket on December 12, indicated that the struggle to tackle the skills gap will continue into the new year.
For details about staffing possibilities through Easy2Recruit, click here.
Photo: KK Mydeen finds a new career sweet spot in Lincoln with Ben Schofield