AvailableCar, the Midlands-based used car supermarket group, has partnered with Delphi to ensure the continual upskilling of its technicians as they work on more advanced vehicles.

It has around 90 vehicle technicians working across its four car supermarkets, who service and prepare the hundreds of cars it sells each week.

“Our sole objective is to make the customer experience world-class and completely hassle-free,” said Michael Hitchcock, head of technical and training at AvailableCar. “Our technicians are massively important to the overall success of the business.”

He said the changing market conditions over the years have meant an increase in the skills and knowledge required to ensure its vehicles are sold with all the necessary servicing and repairs completed.

“When we first opened, we thought we’d never do timing belts or clutches,” Hitchcock said. 

“They’re now commonplace alongside many other advanced diagnostic and repair jobs, which we’re now able to complete in-house thanks to this training investment.

"We’re currently doing our first-ever hybrid engine change, which is a big milestone.”

Since enrolling on the development programme, all four AvailableCar workshops have reported significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Six members of staff have already achieved master technician status through Delphi’s tailored training with many more currently on route for IMI qualification. Other accredited Delphi training paths include service technician and diagnostic technician, with AvailableCar also benefitting from Delphi’s bespoke training routes.

Hitchcock added: “This training is giving us much more than the obvious skills and improved workshop efficiencie.

“I’ve had staff come up and thank me for the training. Our technicians feel valued and motivated, and we’re rewarding their increased skillset with pay rises too.”

Andrew Rayner, the latest AvailableCar employee to qualify as a master technician, said: “It’s been a really great journey. All of the trainers are spot-on, easy to get on with and very knowledgeable.

"Things like EVs, they’re scary if you don’t know what you’re doing but they’ve given me the confidence to do these jobs.”

“AvailableCar is a widely recognised brand, renowned for its high standards,” said Luke Garratt, UK Technical Services Manager at Delphi. “We’re delighted to be able to help their technicians maintain these standards through our comprehension training offering, and thrilled to see them achieve those gains when it comes to first-time fixes, vehicle turnaround time and staff retention.”