All across Europe, there is right now a major shortage of skilled mechanics and technicians. Why? Well, the post-Covid 'great resignation' is one aspect, but there are others such as a general (but incorrect) sense that mechanics won't be needed as much in the electric motoring era and the poaching of newly trained technicians by other tech sectors, who crave their skills.
Train to become an AA Patrol
To try and help fill in this skills gap, AA Ireland is launching a new Training Academy, with which it hopes to both train and up-skill those who'd like to become AA technicians. The courses at the new Training Academy, which will be run in partnership with Autotech Training, will "train AA Apprentices, part qualified mechanics or those working in the motor industry to become AA Ireland Patrols."
The plan is to create 50 new roles, consisting of new AA Apprentices and Patrol Assists, who can train to become qualified AA Patrols as well as upskilling existing Patrols members in specialist areas such as electric vehicles.
Electric and hybrid training
Part of the course will be an electric and hybrid training module, approved of by the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry).
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the AA to deliver training and support services through the AA Training Academy - Powered by Autotech Training," said Simon King, Managing Director of AutotecAll across Europe, there is right now a major shortage of skilled mechanics and technicians. Why? Well, the post-Covid 'great resignation' is one aspect, but there are others such as a general (but incorrect) sense that mechanics won't be needed as much in the electric motoring era and the poaching of newly trained technicians by other tech sectors, who crave their skills.
Train to become an AA Patrol
To try and help fill in this skills gap, AA Ireland is launching a new Training Academy, with which it hopes to both train and up-skill those who'd like to become AA technicians. The courses at the new Training Academy, which will be run in partnership with Autotech Training, will "train AA Apprentices, part qualified mechanics or those working in the motor industry to become AA Ireland Patrols."
The plan is to create 50 new roles, consisting of new AA Apprentices and Patrol Assists, who can train to become qualified AA Patrols as well as upskilling existing Patrols members in specialist areas such as electric vehicles.
Electric and hybrid training
Part of the course will be an electric and hybrid training module, approved of by the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry).
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the AA to deliver training and support services through the AA Training Academy - Powered by Autotech Training," said Simon King, Managing Director of Autotech Group. "This joint initiative will support the AA's mission to upskill its patrol network and help alleviate the skills shortage in the wider automotive aftermarket. This alliance, built upon our excellent reputation to deliver the most up-to-date training available in the market, brings the strength of both brands together. Our experienced trainers are fully proficient and flexible in their training delivery."
Solve the problem directly
AA Ireland's Chief Operations Officer, Simon Benson, says the new Academy aims to raise Technical standards and support the needs for trained mechanics: "There was no point in us lamenting the lack of technicians here in Ireland without first trying to do something to solve the problem directly, and that is the aim with the AA Training Academy, and why we partnered with Autotech to help us deliver this programme. We want to create new jobs as the AA expands its roadside operations, but we cannot do this without the requisite skills, and this Academy will address that for us and other companies who can avail of the facility."