The Garage 354

TRAINING
AvailableCar
workshops
gain with
structured
Delphi training
Used car supermarket group, AvailableCar has embarked on a continual development
programme with Delphi, investing in the upskilling of its workshop technicians as the vehicles
it processes continue to get ever-more advanced.
AvailableCar first opened its doors in 2002 at Castle Donington,
East Midlands. Today the family-run business operates across
four sites, with some 90 technicians playing a key role in the
success of the group.
“Our sole objective is to make the customer experience worldclass
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.”
The dealership group sells hundreds of vehicles a week, each one
having been processed through its workshops with all the necessary
servicing and repairs completed. Changing market conditions has
seen the nature of these jobs evolve over the years.
“When we first opened, we thought we’d never do timing belts
or clutches,” said Michael. “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.”
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
made possible thanks to its expert trainers.
“This training is giving us much more than the obvious skills and
improved workshop efficiencies,” said Michael. “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 is the latest AvailableCar employee to qualify as
a Master Technician. Petrol and Diesel Management, Exhaust After
Treatment, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Hybrid
Electric Vehicle modules were among his favourite modules covered.
“It’s been a really great journey,” said Andrew. “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.”
Since enrolling on the development programme, all four
AvailableCar workshops have reported significant improvements in
performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
“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.”
For more information about Delphi vehicle technician training, visit
https://www.delphiautoparts.com/gbr/en/training/training
Luke Garratt, UK and Nordics Technical Services Manager at
Delphi Technologies, with Michael Hitchcock, Head of technical
Training at Available Car.
THE GARAGE 21
21. AvailableCar.indd 1 30/08/2023 15:09