The AA Ireland launches exclusive training academy with Autotech Training to upskill patrols

Date: Friday 05 May 2023

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Autotech Training is working in partnership with the Automobile Association in Ireland, to upskill its AA patrols and the wider automotive aftermarket, with the launch of the exclusive AA Training Academy – Powered by Autotech Training.

As part of a wider drive to address the automotive skills deficit by creating 50 new roles, including AA Apprentices and AA Patrol Assists, Autotech Training will work exclusively with AA Ireland to upskill existing AA Patrols with electric vehicle training.

Coinciding with recent reports from The Society of the Irish Motor Industry that electric vehicle car sales have almost doubled in Ireland from the same time last year, Autotech Training will deliver IMI Level 2 electric/hybrid vehicle training.

The course will equip each AA Patrol with the knowledge and skills to work safely on EVs whilst carrying out routine maintenance and repair work.

Bringing its industry knowledge and training expertise to Ireland, Autotech Training has worked with AA Ireland to create the bespoke training suite which will feature a dedicated EV teaching space complete with an electric vehicle for hands on learning and all the EV tools and safety equipment required.

The AA Training Academy – Powered by Autotech Training replicates Autotech Training’s successful headquarters in the UK. Initially delivering electric vehicle training to the AA Ireland’s patrol network, Autotech Training will then roll out its EV course offering, which includes IMI Levels 1-4 Electric/Hybrid courses, as well as Heavy Vehicle EV courses, IMI Level 1 Hydrogen Awareness, IRTEC and REACT training and a suite of technical courses, to the wider automotive aftermarket in Ireland.

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the AA Ireland to deliver electric vehicle training and support services through the AA Training Academy – Powered by Autotech Training,” comments Simon King, Managing Director, Autotech Group.

“This new, joint initiative will support AA Ireland's mission to upskill its patrol network and help alleviate the skills shortage in the wider automotive aftermarket. This alliance, which is built upon our excellent reputation to deliver the most up-to-date training available in the market, brings the strength of both brands together."

AA Ireland's Chief Operations Officer, Simon Benson, says:

“The new AA Training Academy – Powered by Autotech Training aims to raise technical standards and support the need for trained mechanics across Ireland. 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 Training 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 initiative will address that for us and other companies who can avail of the facility.”

Overseeing the delivery of the training by Autotech Training’s own highly experienced trainers is Dasos Michaelides. A prominent figure within the Irish automotive industry, Dasos has over 40 years of experience and was appointed by Autotech Training earlier this year to help the company replicate its UK success across Ireland.

Founded by parent company, Autotech Group in 2016, Autotech Training has cultivated a strong reputation within the automotive aftermarket for its training capabilities. Last year alone, the company delivered EV training to over 1,000 delegates.

For further information on The AA Training Academy – Powered by Autotech Training visit www.aatrainingacademy.ie 

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