National Recognition For Our Technician
Broadstairs MOT Centre’s Jack Wright is celebrating after becoming the first in the UK to complete the new Bosch Diagnostic Technician programme. The IMI Accredited qualification was gained after completing all of the new Bosch Diagnostic Tech courses.
The BDT courses comprise of one, two and three day courses covering 14 automotive modules, plus one BDT IMI Accreditation Day that must be completed by the same participant during a three year period.
Topics covered include Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Systems; Steering & Geometry; Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); Automotive Air Conditioning Systems and Diagnostics; Oscilloscope Testing & Diagnosis; Gasoline Direct Injection Systems, Essential Test Procedures.
Jack, 24, completed courses at the Bosch training centre in Denham.
He said: “It has been a rewarding challenge to complete the BDT courses that have covered so many topics. As the training progressed, it became clear the high level of knowledge and skills that are now required for working on modern vehicles to identify issues and carry out diagnostics correctly.
I am fortunate to work at a garage where they value the importance of training and upskilling staff. The Bosch trainers were engaging and supportive.
“I’m really proud to be the first in the UK to have completed the new-look BDT qualification. I’ve been with Broadstairs MOT Centre for five years and developed so much professionally with continued support from my managers. I’ve started the Master Tech courses now and can’t wait to complete them. I feel fortunate that this garage is constantly investing in tooling and training to develop the business and its staff. I couldn’t work anywhere better. In an industry that is undervalued by many, it is great to work with a team who are also aiming to be the top of their field and provide the most professional mechanical and customer service we can.”
An interesting article published by The IMI (The Institute of the Motor Industry), this month, shows the Automotive Sector has the second highest vacancy rates across all sectors in the UK with 1 in every 100 vacancies unfilled. This is only behind Accommodation and Food Services sector which was so impacted by Brexit and Covid.
Automotive is experiencing the highest vacancy rates in 21 years.
We fully support and encourage recruitment to the Bosch Apprenticeship Scheme to try and bridge the gap, where young people are not coming into the industry. We currently have another candidate on the Scheme at present.
He reached the final 30 which is an impressive performance.
The UK has 42,400 technicians qualified and trained to work on electric vehicles – just 18% of the total workforce.
We are proud that we have three technicians qualified to diagnose, repair, service and maintain electric vehicles at Broadstairs MOT Centre. We are also a member of Bosch Car Service Network EV Concept and HEVRA (Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance).
In regards to ADAS qualifications (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), by the end of 2022 there were just 3,000 qualified ADAS technicians. By 2024, it is predicted the UK will need 39,000 qualified techs.
We have two qualified ADAS technicians at Broadstairs MOT Centre.
Industry predicts that there will be an increase in demand for technicians with data-related skills – approx 5,400 by 2024.
We are committed to training and evolving our technicians and business. In the first six months of 2024, we have two technicians booked to attend 13 in-person courses between them – covering a variety of Bosch, IMI Accredited training programmes, including:
* Vehicle Networking Systems
* Emissions Analysis
* Advanced Engine Management
*Airbag and Supplementary Systems
* Direct Injection Systems etc
There are also three online courses currently booked.
Our Senior Tech has also completed an online Tesla training course this year.
In 2023, staff attended 14 courses, eight online courses and we upskilled another technician to a qualified MOT tester.
We also invested in a bespoke ramp, and Hofmann Sphere 3D Four-wheel Alignment tool, which boasts the latest technology.
As a local business this is significant investment in training and necessary tooling to provide staff and customers with the relevant skills and confidence to undertake all manner of works.
We pride ourselves on being a family-run business and member of the Bosch Car Service Network that continues to invest and learn; and teach.
Broadstairs MOT Centre is so much more than MOTs!
(Source: IMI Driving Auto Forwards. Jan 2024)