AXA partners with AutoRaise to support vehicle repair apprenticeships

AutoRaise aims to help the vehicle repair industry address its skills shortage by helping companies obtain government funding and provide a sustainable industry for the future. The charity also hosts events where young people can get hands-on experience of repairing, as well as showcasing repairer job opportunities on its online portal.

AXA, meanwhile, has its own apprenticeship programme, allowing employees to gain professional qualifications while earning a salary and gaining practical experience.

Addressing the skills gap in the repairer industry is likely to become increasingly important as vehicles become more hi-tech. Repair technicians are on average older than 45.

Waseem Malik, Executive Managing Director – Claims, AXA, said:

  “We want young people to get the right skills for their future career but also to feel pride and a sense of belonging. It is crucial that the industry mobilise today to train the vehicle repair technicians of tomorrow. This investment in new talent will help increase the quality and reduce the length of repairs and supports our continued focus on putting the customer first.” 

“Our initiatives are designed to expose a new generation to the vehicle repair industry and to create attractive and effective career opportunities. Today’s teenagers are often more tech-savvy than older generations and very capable of understanding modern technology. Engaging with them will not only address the skills shortage but also will prepare the industry to handle the technologically advanced cars coming to market.” [Bob Linwood, CEO, AutoRaise]

AutoRaise was founded in 2012 by a group of repairers that created an apprenticeship standard under the Government’s Apprenticeship Trailblazer initiative. AutoRaise became a charity in 2016.