Filling The Gap In Automotive Training

Do you know why Post Graduate Training in an Automotive Facility is so Critical?

Interestingly a recent question posed by a Local Leader in the Training industry prompted this article.

How as an employer do I bridge the gap in training modules from what is learned in an Panel Technician Apprenticeship? To what is required in the industry today?

This question highlights a number of issues - the most important one:

There is a GAP:  Noting that there is no requirement as a business owner that I must provide additional training beyond that of an apprenticeship.

My organisation understands that as the technology in today’s vehicle expands to include Aluminium and Structural Steels – lightweight for improved fuel efficiencies - Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and their complexity and workings, we must continue to advance our skill set.

Since the introduction of I-Car Australia in 2006 we have provided post graduate training for our team so they could understand the intricate nature of what was coming.

This is an organisation dedication to Safe and quality repair of each and every vehicle.

Core modules required to complete a Panel Technician Apprenticeship Cert III have changed to incorporate some of this required information. The challenge is of course that existing modules need to remain for the foundation of this skill set to remain.

So without increasing the time of the apprenticeship – elective gaps open up.

For us partnering with I-Car allows us to exceed in the training challenge as we send our technicians for additional training to increase skill and knowledge from Welding Certifications, to learning requirements for new technology.

The potential for new pathways is opened with possibility to have individualised Technicians that can take the direction of Aluminium Specialist- or Electric/Hybrid specialist just to name a few.

In my faciality importance is placed on the understanding of the vehicle and why there is a need to fund and make this training available to our team.

Ultimately the consumer should be aware that this is an unregulated industry. There is no license required to own, or operate a Repair Facility. Individual technicians are not licensed.  It Is not even a requirement that there be a qualified technician in a facility. My advice is do some research and make sure you specify your choice when you need a Repairer.

Contributed by Andrea McCarthy from McCarty Panel Works.

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Regular training is essential in any automotive facility

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