The all-makes car service and repair network Just Car Clinics is investing, with the support of suppliers, in training facilities expected to be operational early next year.

The move aims to counter a skills shortage which is limiting Just Car Clinics’ capacity. The training centre at the firm’s Leeds outlet will cover technician, IT systems and customer service training.

The shortage of apprentices that can be recruited from further education colleges has recently prompted other groups to initiate in-house training academies, while training and development consultancy Automotive Advantage recently reported that its own growth plans were being affected by a shortage of appropriate candidates from the motor retail sector in the West Midlands.