Independents set to upskill to combat franchised dealers' EV advantages

Autotech Training has entered a strategic partnership with parts distribution giant Alliance Automotive Group (AAG) to supply its UK customer base of around 35,000 garages with a range of training courses.

Among those independent repairers set to directly benefit from this new offer are AAG’s 1,200 network garages - AutoCare, United Garage Services, Top Truck, and NexDrive - each of which can utilise their annual training allowance to fund any Autotech training course on a curriculum set to include cutting-edge topics such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), addressing the evolving demands of the automotive industry and the current skills shortage.

The partnership aims to ensure the network garage members are future-proofed and adept at the latest technological advancements.

"The rapid advance of vehicle technology has changed the landscape for the modern automotive technician. Showing no sign of slowing, new and emerging technologies deliver fresh challenges for technicians, who have already seen their skills requirement widen.

"Our partnership with Autotech Training greatly assist us in our mission to upskill vehicle technicians and AAG’s commitment to ensure its network has greater access to quality training, helping them become more efficient while maintaining high standards of service and expertise," said Scott Simpson, Alliance Automotive Group's technical training manager.

Autotech Training’s cohort of skilled trainers will deliver the courses within approved AAG venues in a variety of regions.

In a bid to meet the growing demands of modern vehicle maintenance and repair, Autotech Training will also develop new accredited courses tailored to AAG’s specific needs. These courses will cover both technical skills, such as hydrogen, and non-technical skills, including customer service. All current and future courses will be accredited by either the IMI or the NTDA.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with AAG, which is the biggest in the history of Autotech Training and is a testament to our ability to create and deliver quality, accredited courses to the aftermarket,” said Alistair McCrindle, director of operations at Autotech Training.