Thatcham Research is reopening its Automotive Academy today (July 6) to enable IMI accredited technicians to complete their re-accreditation.

The Facility was closed in March due to Coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Apprentices will be welcomed back to the site in September

Ahead of the reopening, a number of changes have been implemented to maintain social distancing and protect technicians, according to Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research.

“We’ve taken extra steps to uphold the highest possible levels of safety without impacting our ability to deliver world class training.

“Over recent weeks, we’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Thatcham Research is a safe space for colleagues and delegates. Classes have been restructured, the layout of the Academy has been redesigned to create more space and we’ve invested in new equipment to make the Academy as safe as it can be,” Lander said.

The site is now using digital technology to enable technical demonstrations to take place while observing social distancing.

There are also a reduced number of delegates allowed in each session, enhanced PPE, frequent and robust cleaning regimes and a new open plan workshop space.

Lander added: “Ever since Thatcham Research was established in 1969, safety has been at the heart of everything we do. In that respect, delegates can attend the Academy feeling confident that they are very well protected.

“Not only are we making sure we have the safest training site with robust ‘Safe Systems of Work’ to shield bodyshop staff, but we have also adapted payment terms to help bodyshops protect their cash-flow and offered eLearning to loyal customers to help them maintain continuous professional development in their teams.”

Apprentices are scheduled to return to the Academy in September. To maintain their learning and progression, Thatcham Research is continuing to use digital platforms to deliver training.