Ireland is just one of many European countries suffering from a shortage of trained mechanics. The Automobile Association is addressing thskills deficit this week with the opening of the AA Ireland Academy in Dublin, which will train AA Apprentices, part-qualified mechanics or those working in the motor industry to become AA Ireland Patrols, thanks to a new partnership with renowned and respected UK firm Autotech Training.
Gavin White, CEO of Autotech, Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI and Simon Benson, COO of the Automobile Association. | Photographer: AA Ireland The AA Training Academy powered by Autotech Training will offer IMI approved Electric / Hybrid vehicle and technical training courses. The full suite of training courses is provided through the AA Training Academy. Autotech Training, founded in 2016 by Autotech Group, helps minimise the impact of the automotive industry skills gap.
"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.
AA Ireland's Chief Operations Officer, Simon Benson, says the new Academy aims to raise Technical standards and support the need 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 of the AA Training Academy and why we partnered with Autotech to help us deliver this programme.