Hello Everyone!
Hello Everyone!
As we approach the end of another year, it’s a time to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.
This year has been one of listening, learning, and building strong foundations for AutoRaise as we prepare for our relaunch during National Apprenticeship Week in February 2025. From celebrating the achievements of our apprentices to collaborating with industry leaders, every step has brought us closer to our mission of addressing the skills gap in the vehicle repair sector.
I’m especially proud of the resilience and dedication shown by our supporters, partners, and the AutoRaise team. Whether it’s through sharing ideas, mentoring apprentices, or championing our initiatives, your contributions make a real difference. As we gear up for next year, I’m excited to unveil plans that will bring even more opportunities to the next generation and ensure the future of our industry is in safe, skilled hands.
As we close 2024, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your support. I wish you a joyful festive season filled with peace, laughter, and quality time with loved ones.
Let’s continue building a brighter future together in 2025.
Emma Speed, Managing Director
Government Mobility Agenda at Risk Without Action on Repair Skills Crisis
The automotive sector is at a critical juncture, and the stakes have never been higher. Our education partners, Thatcham Research , the UK’s only not-for-profit automotive risk intelligence company, is spearheading a campaign to address the repair skills crisis that threatens the future of the industry. With the Apprenticeship Levy funding cap unchanged since 2019, there is growing concern that the UK lacks the necessary resources to train the next generation of technicians.
The Levy, currently capped at ￡15,000 per apprentice, has failed to keep pace with inflation and modern training requirements, resulting in a real-terms reduction in training capacity. Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, stresses:
“The automotive sector is facing a perfect storm of rapid technological change, a reduction in upskilling and recruitment, and an ageing workforce. Revisions to apprenticeship levy funding must be addressed as apriority by Skills England and IfATE, unlocking funding to deliver much-needed technical training to the repair sector.”
Why This Matters: EVs, Net Zero, and a Skills Shortage
The automotive repair industry is a linchpin for achieving NetZero targets and ensuring the successful adoption of Electric Vehicles(EVs) and other advanced technologies. Yet, only 16% of UK technicians are qualified to work on EVs, and by 2030, the Institute of the Motor Industry predicts a shortfall of 35,700 qualified technicians.
This gap has wide-reaching consequences:
Hewett warns that without immediate action, the UK could face a future of "throwaway vehicles," jeopardising the country’s automotive sustainability and safety standards.
Petition for Fairer Apprenticeship Funding
To address the issue, Thatcham Research is calling for:
They invite businesses, trainers, garages, and body shops to sign their petition, urging Skills England and IfATE to take decisive action.
Building a Sustainable Future
Beyond funding, the campaign highlights the need for the entire industry to rally together to:
The solution lies in fair funding, a renewed focus on training, and a commitment to showcasing the vibrancy and potential of careers in the automotive repair industry. As Hewett concludes:
“With fairer funding, we can reverse the trend of college closures, recover training capacity, and secure the future of the UK’s automotive repair sector. Together, we can ensure the skills crisis doesn’t jeopardize the industry’s critical role in achieving Net Zero and supporting mobility for all.”
AutoRaise is supporting Thatcham Research in their campaign to ‘Fix the Levy’, and we hope you will too. It’s critical to drive meaningful change and safeguard the future of the automotive repair industry.
PARTNER UPDATE: VELLA GROUP
Celebrating Success and Sustainability: Highlights from Vella
Our partners Vella were proud to celebrate the achievements of both apprentices and mentors at the ABP Night of Knights in November, where dedication, skill, and mentorship were honoured.
Adam Sheth, a second-year multi-skilled apprentice at their Preston site, was named a finalist for Apprentice of the Year. Adam’s exceptional commitment and talent have made him a standout within the business. Although he didn’t take home the award, he continues to impress with his hard work and passion for learning.
Technical Training Manager Allan Wareing shared, “Adam is a fantastic apprentice with an amazing attitude. He has quickly developed skills across all three disciplines and consistently receives glowing feedback from managers and tutors alike. His future is incredibly bright!”
Two of their mentors, Adam Smith (Paint Team Leader at Coventry) and David Roberts (Paint Technician at Manchester Trafford Park), were finalists in the Apprentice Mentor of the Year category. Their dedication to guiding apprentices has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.
We’re so pleased for all three finalists - Adam Sheth, Adam Smith, and David Roberts - for their achievements and continued commitment to excellence. They represent the heart of our mission to grow and support talent across the industry.
Driving Sustainability at the Vella Group & LKQ Apprentice Sustainability Day
Sustainability is at the core of the automotive repair industry’s future, and Vella apprentices recently had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills at the LKQ Apprentice Sustainability Day.
The two-day training event, held at the LKQ Academy, brought together apprentices from Vella’s North and South regions to explore sustainable practices in vehicle repair:
Morning sessions: An introduction by LKQ’s Head of Technical, Lee Berridge, on topics like CO2 emissions and carbon reduction.
Practical workshops:
Sustainable paint application using the Akzo Nobel Sikkens Aerodry range.
Plastic repair and welding techniques with Plastrepair EU Limited.
Interactive learning: Apprentices participated in hands-on exercises and rotated between sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices.
The event was a huge success, offering apprentices valuable insights into sustainability and equipping them with skills that align with the industry’s evolving needs.
These initiatives not only reinforce Vella’s commitment to sustainability but also prepare apprentices to lead the charge in a more sustainable future for the industry.
Looking Ahead
With Vella, we’re looking forward to continuing to support and develop the next generation of automotive repair professionals. The achievements and experiences of these apprentices and mentors reflect the bright future ahead.
Congratulations to everyone at Vella - amazing effort!
PARTNER UPDATE: GEMINI ARC
Gemini ARC: Celebrating Excellence in Apprenticeships and Industry Leadership
Our partner, Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd , continues to raise the bar for excellence in the automotive repair industry, as highlighted by their remarkable achievements and ongoing contributions to the future of apprenticeships.
Here’s a look at their latest milestones and celebrations:
Apprenticeship Employer Recognition
Gemini has proudly secured the 86th spot on the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list. This honour reflects their outstanding work with apprentices and reinforces their position as a leader in fostering the next generation of automotive talent. They encourage businesses to aim for this recognition to spotlight their apprenticeship efforts.
The 5% Club Platinum Level Award
For the fifth consecutive year, Gemini has been recognised with the prestigious Platinum Level Award from The 5% Club. This award acknowledges employers who are dedicated to championing "earn and learn" skills training, fostering shared prosperity across the UK. Gemini’s consistent recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to developing talent through apprenticeships.
They encourage other businesses to undertake The 5% Club’s Employer Audit, calling it a fantastic accreditation to showcase their dedication to skills training.
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Celebrating International Men’s Day
Gemini took the opportunity on International Men’s Day to celebrate the achievements of their exceptional male team members. Highlights included:
Vitaly Simonenko (Manchester Branch): Winner of the Bob Linwood Apprentice Award at the NBRA Greener Bodyshop Awards.
Jack Smith (Merry Hill Branch): A rising star, now excelling as a qualified multi-skilled technician.
John Henderson (Head of Technical Training & Development): A veteran in the field with decades of experience shaping the future of automotive training.
These stories exemplify the resilience, determination, and teamwork that Gemini nurtures across their teams.
Welcoming Cohort 11
Recruitment is underway for Gemini’s 11th cohort of multi-skilled apprentices! Over the years, they have successfully onboarded more than 150 apprentices, with Cohort 10 joining earlier this year. This milestone reinforces their commitment to creating opportunities and building skills within the industry.
Shaping the Future with AutoRaise
Gemini remains at the forefront of apprenticeship innovation through their active participation in the AutoRaise Accident Repair Technician (ART) Level 3 Programme. Their team, including Jordan Passey (Training Coordinator) and John Henderson, under the leadership of Steve Hoe as chairman, has been instrumental in shaping the review and development of Level 3 standards.
Gemini’s dedication to apprenticeships, innovation, and industry standards demonstrates the incredible impact of collaborative efforts across the sector.
Congratulations to Gemini ARC for their continued success and commitment to driving the future of the automotive repair industry forward!
Celebrate Excellence in Automotive Repair: Bodyshop Awards 2025 and 30 Under 30 Nominations Now Open!
Exciting news for apprentices and rising stars in the automotive repair industry! Bodyshop magazine has officially opened nominations for the prestigious Bodyshop Awards 2025 and the 30 Under 30 competition. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase talent, dedication, and skills within the vehicle repair sector, highlighting the next generation of industry leaders.
Apprentice Awards Categories
The Bodyshop Awards 2025 features three exclusive categories for apprentices:
? MET Technician (Mechanical, Electrical, Trim)
? Paint Technician
? Panel Technician
Each category is designed to test and celebrate the skills of apprentices through a rigorous process:
1. Online Exam: Demonstrate your theoretical knowledge and expertise in your chosen field.
2. Practical Testing: Top-performing apprentices will advance to three days of hands-on, in-person testing next summer.
This is an incredible opportunity for apprentices to gain industry recognition and showcase their abilities on a national stage.
30 Under 30 Competition
The 30 Under 30 competition is back, recognizing the brightest young talents in the automotive repair industry. Over the years, this program has celebrated many apprentices who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers. If you're a rising star - or know someone who is - this is your chance to shine.
Why Participate?
? Gain national recognition for your skills and hard work.
? Enhance your career prospects with a prestigious industry accolade.
? Connect with industry leaders and peers, opening doors to new opportunities.
How to Apply
Nominations for both the Bodyshop Awards 2025 and the 30 Under 30 competition are now open online. Don't miss the chance to be part of this prestigious event!
Learn more and nominate today: Bodyshop Awards 2025
Good luck to all nominees - AutoRaise is rooting for you!
Alex’s Latest Adventures: Triathlons in Wells and Derby
Our inspiring triathlon champion, Alex Davis, continues to push boundaries and raise awareness for AutoRaise and two other worthy charities. His ambitious mission is to complete triathlons in all 78 UK cities.
Here's a recap of his latest adventures in Wells and Derby, plus a well-deserved recognition for his incredible efforts.
Wells – November 19 Alex’s journey to Wells was met with wintry challenges, from snow fluttering at home to freezing rain throughout the day. Braving the cold, he stopped en route to Bath for some much-needed thermal leggings but faced a further obstacle with Cheddar Gorge closed, resulting in a 5-mile detour in the dark. Despite these setbacks, Alex powered through until numb feet and freezing conditions forced him to stop for safety.
The week took a brighter turn when Alex received the Buzz National Award 2024 for Special Recognition. This prestigious honour acknowledges his outstanding charity work and dedication to promoting good causes. Reflecting on the achievement, Alex expressed heartfelt thanks to his supportive family, the Equate team, and the three charities he’s championing, emphasising the team effort behind this monumental challenge.
Derby – November 29 Derby brought a smoother experience, beginning with a 6 a.m. swim at the impressive Moorways Sports Village. This ￡42 million facility impressed Alex with its modern amenities and on-site electric chargers - a nod to a greener future.
Alex’s run took him straight to Derby Cathedral, passing early risers heading to school and work, before returning to the sports village. After a productive networking session with local businesses at Long Eaton’s Cleve Lodge, Alex completed his triathlon with a scenic bike ride, taking in iconic Derby landmarks like Pride Park Stadium and Rolls Royce factory sites.
Alex’s adventures continue, as he balances personal challenges, weather obstacles, and his dedication to connecting with communities across the UK.
Keep up the amazing work, Alex!
A Spotlight on Leadership: Our MD Emma Speed Featured in ABP Magazine
We’re thrilled to share that our Managing Director, Emma Speed, has been featured in a recent interview with ABP Magazine, a key publication for the automotive repair industry. In this insightful piece, Emma discusses the vital role AutoRaise plays in addressing the skills gap in the bodyshop repair sector and highlights our vision for the future.
We’re excited to see Emma’s vision unfold as she leads AutoRaise into a new era. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the relaunch of AutoRaise in February …
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.
Thank you Autoraise for all your support, I am in Birmingham today for my next #TriathlonEveryUKCity .To support the challenge please go to https://www.justgiving.com/team/alex78olympictriathlons
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2 个月Wow