February RELAUNCH Newsletter

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the February edition of the AutoRaise Newsletter - and what a month it’s shaping up to be! As it’s National Apprenticeship Week, we’re gearing up for one of our most exciting moments yet: the AutoRaise Relaunch.

So this month, it’s all about us! We’re delighted to share with you our new initiatives and plans for shaping the industry.

This isn’t just a fresh start - it’s a bold step forward in tackling the skills crisis and ensuring young people see automotive repair as a career, not just a job. We’ve already kicked off our 10-Day Countdown to Relaunch, unveiling 10 key pledges to reshape the future of apprenticeships, and sharing real stories - that prove hands-on learning changes lives.

The future of automotive repair starts now - and we want you to be part of it. Let’s make 2025 a game-changer for apprenticeships!

Emma Speed

Managing Director

New AutoRaise Bursary Fund

Making Apprenticeships More Accessible for Small Bodyshops

We know the reality. You want to bring in an apprentice. You know your team needs fresh talent. You know the industry depends on it.

But then there’s the cost. Tools. Equipment. The extra time it takes to train someone up. It all adds up. And for small bodyshops, that’s sometimes the dealbreaker.

That’s why we’ve launched the AutoRaise Bursary Fund—to take the financial strain off small repairers and make hiring an apprentice possible.

Here’s how it works:

??Funding support to cover key costs like tools and essential training expenses.

??Designed for small, independent bodyshops that need a little extra help to bring in fresh talent.

??A step towards real change—because growing your workforce shouldn’t be a financial risk.

By removing these financial barriers, the AutoRaise Bursary Fund is helping smaller repairers invest in the future of the industry without the added strain on their business.

Why This Matters

??The industry needs 20,000 new apprentices each year to keep pace with demand.

??Over 5,000 technician vacancies remain unfilled across the UK.

??EV and ADAS training are becoming essential, yet many repairers struggle to fund new apprenticeships.

??Small bodyshops are crucial to the health of the sector, and this fund ensures they don’t get left behind when it comes to bringing in new talent.

How to Apply

AutoRaise is committed to making this as simple as possible. If you’re a small or independent bodyshop looking to take on an apprentice, you could be eligible for bursary funding.

Register your interest today and let us help you invest in the next generation of skilled technicians.

?? AutoRaise Bursary Application | Financial Support for Apprentices

Or share this with a business you think might benefit from the bursary.

Changes to the board of Trustees

Dave Sargeant, Managing Director of Gemini, will be stepping down as Chair of AutoRaise. During his tenure, Dave's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s mission to close skills gaps within the automotive body repair sector. As he transitions to a newly created AutoRaise advisory board, we are grateful for his long-term commitment and passion for apprenticeships and look forward to his continued involvement.

We’d like to welcome Simon Smith, Managing Director and Aviva Repair Lead at Solus who has been appointed as the new Chair, bringing valuable experience and fresh perspectives to guide our efforts.

Also stepping down with Dave to the advisory board are AutoRaise treasurer Marc Holding Managing Director at the Vella Group and Trustee Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at Thatcham Research. Their insights have strengthened AutoRaise's mission to increase apprenticeship numbers.

Martyn Rowley from the National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has joined AutoRaise as a trustee, broadening the reach of the charity. We sincerely thank Dave, Dean, and Marc for their hard work and we will continue to work together to address the skills gaps facing the industry.

Simon Smith is looking forward to getting involved:

"I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair at AutoRaise at such a pivotal time for the industry. The skills shortage is one of the biggest challenges we face, and apprenticeships are the key to securing the future of automotive repair. AutoRaise has already made a significant impact, but now is the time to go further - working more closely with bodyshops, strengthening industry partnerships, and ensuring that funding and support are accessible to all.

I look forward to building on the fantastic work already done and driving forward initiatives that will create real opportunities for the next generation of skilled technicians."

Dave Sargeant commented on the changes saying:

"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of AutoRaise and to work alongside so many dedicated individuals committed to securing the future of the automotive repair industry. The skills shortage remains one of the biggest challenges we face, but through collaboration, advocacy, and investment in apprenticeships, we have made real progress in creating opportunities for young people and supporting repairers in developing the next generation of skilled technicians.

While I am stepping down as Chair, my commitment to AutoRaise and its mission remains unwavering. I look forward to continuing my involvement through the newly formed advisory board, working alongside industry leaders to drive positive change. I want to thank the trustees, supporters, and everyone who has contributed to this incredible cause. I also extend my best wishes to Simon Smith as he steps into the role of Chair - his experience and leadership will be invaluable as AutoRaise enters this next phase."

Have You Seen Our New Video?

We’ve commissioned this new video to share our vision for the future - featuring insights from our MD, trustees, apprentices, education providers, and mentors, alongside everything you need to know about our relaunch.

Created by the wonderful Gavin Kerr at GK Videography, we hope it gives you a feel for the exciting things to come from AutoRaise. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen!

Watch it here - and let us know what you think! We'd love your feedback.

10 Pledges for the Future of Automotive Repair

AutoRaise is relaunching with a renewed commitment to transforming the automotive repair industry. Our mission remains clear - to close the skills gap, support bodyshops, and create a sustainable future for apprentices and employers alike.

We’re marking this relaunch with 10 Pledges for the Future of Automotive Repair, a campaign designed to tackle critical challenges facing the industry. These pledges form the foundation of a lobbying document that will be presented to industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, calling for real change.

What’s Happening?

From February 1st to February 10th, leading up to National Apprenticeship Week, we unveiled one pledge per day, sparking discussion, engagement, and action. Through social media, emails, and our website, we’ve highlighted key issues, shared real-life success stories, and encouraged industry-wide support.

Our 10 Pledges:

1. Ensuring the Skills and Growth Levy Meets Industry Needs

Advocating for fair and sustainable funding to ensure apprenticeships remain a viable pathway into the industry.

2. Raising the Profile of Automotive Repair Apprenticeships in Schools

Working with educators and career advisors to showcase the industry as an exciting and rewarding career choice.

3. Supporting Bodyshops to Take on Apprentices

Providing financial incentives and resource-sharing schemes to help businesses invest in the next generation of talent.

4. Driving Awareness of Advanced Automotive Technologies

Ensuring apprentices are prepared for the shift to electric vehicles, ADAS, and other emerging technologies.

5. Filling the Industry with New Talent

Reaching out to untapped talent pools to bring fresh skills and energy into the workforce.

6. Championing Diversity and Inclusion

Encouraging participation from underrepresented groups to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

7. Strengthening Industry Partnerships

Collaborating with training providers, employers, and suppliers to offer high-quality apprenticeship experiences.

8. Enhancing Support for Apprenticeships

Equipping bodyshops with the tools and guidance to mentor and develop apprentices effectively.

9. Promoting Sustainable Practices

Embedding sustainability into apprenticeship training and operations to align with industry net-zero goals.

10. Securing the Future of Automotive Repair

Working with government and industry leaders to create a long-term strategy that ensures a thriving, skilled workforce for years to come.

________________________________________

Join Us in Shaping the Future

The AutoRaise relaunch isn’t just about us - it’s about the entire industry coming together to create real, lasting impact. With your support, we can champion the next generation of automotive repair professionals and secure a sustainable future for the sector.

Show Your Support

We’re asking business owners, industry professionals, training providers, and anyone who cares about the future of automotive repair to support these pledges.

? Tick the box to show your support. ? Enter your name and email. ? Join the movement to secure the future of automotive repair.

Introducing Levy Flow – A Simple Way to Make Your Apprenticeship Levy Work for the Industry

Each year, large businesses contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy—but a significant amount of those funds go unspent and expire. Meanwhile, smaller bodyshops that want to take on apprentices struggle with costs.

That’s where Levy Flow comes in.

Levy Flow is AutoRaise’s new levy donation facilitation service, connecting levy-paying businesses with smaller repairers that need funding to take on apprentices. It’s a practical, no-cost way for larger companies to ensure their unused levy funding supports the next generation of skilled technicians.

Why Use Levy Flow?

? Put unused levy funds to good use instead of letting them expire. ?Support the industry by helping smaller businesses train apprentices. ?No additional cost to your business—this is funding you’ve already paid. ?A straightforward process with full support from AutoRaise.

If your business has unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds, Levy Flow ensures they go where they’re needed most. Contact us for more information: [email protected]

Unveiling Our New Branding and Website

To coincide with the relaunch, we’ve refreshed our branding and completely updated our website. We wanted a brand that reflects our ambition - one that is modern, impactful, and focused on the future of automotive repair.

A Fresh New Look – We believe our new branding represents confidence, action, and progress. It reflects our commitment to the industry, ensuring that apprenticeships remain at the heart of automotive repair.

A Fully Redesigned Website – Finding the right information should never be complicated. Our new site makes it easier than ever for employers, apprentices, and industry partners to access guidance, funding information, and support.

This isn’t just a visual change - it’s a commitment to action. Our new brand and website are built to remove barriers, provide solutions, and help businesses secure the skilled workforce they need.

Come and check us out here: www.autoraise.co.uk

Looking Ahead

As AutoRaise continues to evolve, we’re focused on delivering real solutions that make apprenticeships more accessible, better funded, and easier to navigate. With the launch of Levy Flow, the AutoRaise Bursary Fund, and our refreshed brand and website, we’re taking big steps toward securing the future of automotive repair.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re an employer, apprentice, or industry partner, your involvement makes a difference. If you haven’t yet, explore our new initiatives, register your interest in taking on an apprentice, or get in touch to see how you can support the next generation of skilled technicians.

Find out more at autoraise.co.uk

Until next time,

The AutoRaise Team

What’s Your Story?

Do you have news, photos, or stories you’d love to share? We want to hear from you! Whether it's an apprentice success story, a workshop milestone, or an event you’ve been part of, your contributions help us showcase the amazing work happening in our community. Send in your highlights to [email protected] and share your news with us.

Gavin Kerr | Emma (Worthington) Speed | Dean Lander |Allan Wareing | David Sargeant | Guy Williams | Michael Golding | Wendy Turner-Hargreaves | Blackpool and The Fylde College | Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd | Thatcham Research | Emtec | The Vella Group

#autoraise #NAW2025 #apprentices #apprenticeships #autorepair