Customer Success Stories

HSF Group, a privately owned Volvo Car dealership group operating several sites across the South East of England, faced mounting pressure from the growing automotive skills shortage. Initially sceptical about using temporary technicians, the Group Aftersales Manager reconsidered after Autotech Recruit worked with Volvo to create the Temporary Technician Programme (TTP)- a Volvo specific solution built on the foundations of Autotech Recruit’s successful Manufacturer Led Programme (MLP) which was designed to help OEM networks overcome traditional barriers by training temporary technicians in brand-specific skills. TTP enabled dealer groups like HSF to access Volvo trained contractors who could step into workshops with minimal disruption. During an initial trial period, eight technicians were selected for HSF, four were immediately deployed to support non-OEM work, while the remaining four completed intensive Volvo training. Within weeks, all eight were operational across HSF’s sites. Over a 12-month period, they delivered over 6,000 hours of cover – helping maintain service levels and preventing significant revenue loss. Today, HSF continues to rely on Autotech Recruit’s contractor support across each of its sites.

Key Successes:

• Over 6,000 technician hours delivered over 12 months
• Thousands saved in potential lost revenue and part sales
• Contractors onboarded and operational across all sites within weeks

As part of its decarbonisation strategy, Veolia partnered with Autotech Training to create the UK’s first IMI-approved training scheme for heavy electric vehicles. With an anticipated shortfall of 16,000 EV-trained technicians by 2032, this forward-thinking initiative aimed to upskill Veolia’s workshop teams, who maintain a fleet of over 200 electric vehicles. Delivered in partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Dennis Eagle, the programme spans IMI Level 2 and 3 certifications and eCollect training. Technicians are now fully equipped to work safely on high-voltage systems, protecting both their safety and the performance of Veolia’s growing zero-emissions fleet.

Key Successes:

• First UK-approved EV training programme for heavy vehicle technicians
• Delivered in partnership with Dennis Eagle and IMI
• Technicians qualified to safely maintain live high-voltage systems
• Resulted in Autotech Training’s first Motor Industry Award win

In response to the industry’s declining pool of skilled technicians, Toyota GB partnered with Autotech Academy in 2023 to launch the Toyota Talent Powered by Autotech Academy initiative. This programme, a bespoke version of Autotech Academy’s proven internship model, was designed to deliver newly qualified, work-ready technicians across Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Interns undergo an extensive induction, online assessments, and brand-specific training to gain their Toyota license during the six-month paid internship. By aligning with Toyota’s people strategy, the programme has not only helped address workforce shortages but also enhanced dealership operations and customer experience across more than 240 retailer sites in the UK.

Key Successes:

• Over 50 interns placed across Toyota and Lexus retailer network
• Structured, paid internships with Toyota-specific training and licensing
• Stoneacre, an established Toyota representative, reduced service times to 45 minutes using interns
• Long-term talent pipeline aligned with Toyota’s strategic workforce goals

In early 2024, a major online used car business faced an urgent need for mobile technicians to support its 90-day warranty service across key UK cities. The challenge was twofold: swift fulfilment and strict IR35 compliance. Autotech Group responded within 48 hours, sourcing and deploying suitable contractors via fully compliant PAYE models. This rapid mobilisation ensured uninterrupted service delivery and maintained customer satisfaction. Leveraging deep industry expertise and a robust contractor network, Autotech delivered a compliant, cost-effective solution resulting in long-term technician placements across Manchester, Derby, and London.

Key Successes:

• Contractors deployed in under 48 hours across 3 cities
• Full IR35 compliance achieved through PAYE onboarding
• Seamless continuity of 90-day warranty support
• Long-term technician placements enabled service consistency

To futureproof the maintenance of a rapidly evolving emergency fleet, Autotech Training developed a bespoke Management Development Programme for The London Ambulance Service. With a growing investment in EV and hydrogen-powered vehicles, upskilling workshop managers became vital. Delivered over nine months, the IMI Level 4-aligned course provided critical skills in leadership, health and safety, financial awareness, and new technologies. This strategic collaboration ensured managers were well-equipped to oversee the repair and maintenance of over 650 vehicles operating across 12 workshops, supporting one of the world’s busiest ambulance services as it transitions to a more sustainable, digital fleet.

Key Successes:

• Fully tailored 8-day course delivered in 4 learning modules
• Aligned with IMI Level 4 Automotive Management standards
• Addressed EV readiness, team leadership, safety, and KPIs
• Empowered 12 workshop managers to lead operational transformation

Motus Truck & Van partnered with Autotech Connect to pilot cutting-edge Assisted Reality headset technology – an innovation designed to address the growing complexity of vehicle diagnostics and the industry-wide technician shortage. Through real-time remote expert support, technicians can share a live view of repair work, enabling immediate guidance, faster diagnostics, and first-time fixes. The headset also proved invaluable in warranty processes, offering high-resolution visual records and thermal imaging to quickly identify electrical faults. For Motus, the AR headset has not only reduced vehicle off-road time (VOR) but also empowered less experienced technicians to learn on the job with expert oversight.

Key Successes:

• Enabled remote diagnostics and real-time expert support
• Accelerated repairs and reduced technician errors
• Enhanced warranty claim transparency through live capture and thermal imaging
• Improved skill levels across workshops without on-site master technicians
• Demonstrated potential to significantly cut costly VOR times in LCV and HGV sectors