Delphi Secures Apprentice Training with Nationwide Autocentres

Delphi’s service and aftermarket training centre has been selected by one of the UK’s leading vehicle repair networks, Nationwide Autocentres (NWAC), to train young apprentices aged between 16 and 24 attending its new technician accreditation programmes.

Each course lasts three years and, over this period, the first pilot group of 53 students from 120 NWAC in the Midlands will receive a total of 18 weeks hands-on training. In addition to becoming familiar with diagnostic techniques, Delphi has designed a bespoke outward bounds programme to encourage team building, trust and leadership skills which are seen as equally important to overall personal development.

The courses cover light vehicle technology at NVQ level 3 which leads to a technical and key skills certificate. There is also an automotive technician accreditation (ATA) being taught at service technician, diagnostic technician and master technician levels to suit different levels of ability and experience.

“We were incredibly impressed by the professionalism and quality of Delphi’s technical training when we bought DS500E diagnostic tablets for each of our 18 mobile diagnostic specialist in 2004,” says Bill Collins, technical training manager, Nationwide Autocentres. “So much so, in fact, that we approached Delphi with a view to them taking on the practical training responsibility for our apprentices. Delphi’s enthusiasm, knowledge of the aftermarket and appreciation of the many new OE technologies entering the marketplace, was the perfect fit for our requirements.”

Before being accepted onto a course, apprentices must pass a rigorous assessment process as Collins continues. “We’re looking for the right attitude rather than specific academic qualifications and our selection process reflects that. Vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated and there’s a real demand for more highly trained technicians. The automotive market is one of the most competitive in the world and we’re focused on taking the level of skill and expertise at NWAC beyond what most have seen to date.”

Kevin Kelly, UK service technology manager, has been instrumental in making final preparations at the Warwick site for the arrival of the first set of students and adds: “We invested in extra equipment at the centre to ensure it accurately reflects the most advanced workshop environment. We’re delighted to be working alongside such a major UK aftermarket service network whilst helping to ensure there is a strong network of trained technicians for the future.”

In addition to the new training centre, Delphi has introduced a wide range of vocational courses and a certificate, diploma and European MBA in conjunction with Nottingham Business School. Delphi is the first company to introduce a foundation degree in automotive engineering with diesel specialisation, which is run in conjunction with Kingston University. All courses are open to anyone interested in improving their expertise and career opportunities.