How Thatcham is addressing the skills shortage

Apprenticeship

The industry faces numerous challenges, not least making sure the right talent is coming into automotive. Vehicle safety and security body Thatcham Research is investing in apprentices to make sure the repair sector has the right skills to succeed

As the industry changes direction and heads towards an electrified future, the age-old challenge of bringing new talent into the industry becomes ever more important.
And one of the main entry points into the sector remains an incredibly important tool in making sure that fresh blood continues to enter automotive: apprenticeships.

It’s been  difficult for apprenticeship programmes as COVID-19 subdued intakes and made the development of those already in the system more challenging. But the pandemic shroud has lifted.

Thatcham Research, the safety, security and vehicle repair body, is investing in apprenticeships as the industry prepares for the challenges of future vehicles.

This year Thatcham Research announced two major intakes of new starters planned, with over 150 much-needed apprentices joining the organisation’s programme this year.

Against a backdrop of an ever-widening skills gap, the redesigned apprenticeship programme that takes a more hybrid approach to skills acquisition has been well received by major employers such as Solus, Activate Group, AW Repair Group and many others who have identified the need for apprentices to resolve the skills crisis.

Apprentices benefit from on-site learning at Thatcham Research’s state-of-the-art Automotive Academy, ensuring training in a safe, practical environment. Remote learning via Microsoft Teams Education is underpinned by Thatcham Research’s blended learning tools, ecademy and eportfolio, featuring high-quality interactive content developed in-house by Thatcham Research experts.

Training programmes typically last 36 months and give apprentices the tools to help future-proof businesses with new skills and knowledge.

Dean Lander, Thatcham Research Head of Repair Sector Services, says: “It’s really positive to see that demand for our apprenticeships is as strong as ever. It highlights how attractive the automotive industry can be as a career option for young people. We’re delighted to provide vital skills and increase job opportunities for apprentices, bringing more young people into the industry and nurturing their talents to alleviate the skills crisis.”

Working with the industry

Thatcham Research is working with employers to develop cohorts of workers to make sure businesses can benefit from the skills apprenticeships deliver. For example, Apollo Motor Group is onboarding up to 30 new starters in dedicated groups.

Bradley Eyles, Commercial Director at Apollo Motor Group, says: “We’re delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Thatcham Research as our new training provider. It was clear after initial meetings that Thatcham Research was the perfect fit for Apollo, as both senior leadership teams share the same vision and passion for developing a future talent pipeline and addressing the major skills shortage across the industry.”

Due to the success of the programme, Thatcham Research is donating £5,000 to Autoraise, a charity set up to help the UK vehicle repair industry attract young people into a range of technical apprenticeships.

Lander says: “With training provider incentive payments, like those received by employers for eligible apprentices, it is only right we support Autoraise’s ‘pay it back’ campaign. This unprecedented success is down to organisations like Autoraise shining a light on the skills crisis and supporting repair sector investment in the next generation, and Thatcham Research is pleased to back such initiatives.”

The industry will always need a pipeline of talent to help it navigate future trends. The COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily put the brakes on bringing new intakes in, but organisations such as Thatcham Research are making sure apprenticeships remain a critical tool in filling the skills shortage.