Thatcham Research has announced that its Automotive Academy has now reopened following closure due to Covid-19 crisis.

Initially, the Automotive Academy has reopened to technicians holding an IMI accreditation that was due to expire during lockdown, who can now attend the site and complete their re-accreditation.

Ahead of the reopening, a number of changes have been implemented to maintain social distancing and protect technicians, says Dean Lander head of repair sector services, Thatcham Research. He commented, “We’ve taken extra steps to uphold the highest possible levels of safety without impacting our ability to deliver world class training. Over recent weeks, we’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Thatcham Research is a safe space for colleagues and delegates. Classes have been restructured, the layout of the Academy has been redesigned to create more space and we’ve invested in new equipment to make the Academy as safe as it can be.”

Ahead of delegates returning, the following measures have been implemented:

    Use of digital technology to enable technical demonstrations whilst observing social distancing

    Reduced number of delegates per session

    Investment in new equipment to create an open plan workshop space

    Enhanced PPE for all delegates

    Establishing and marking out safe routes of travel across the Academy building

    Socially distanced training rooms

    Frequent and robust cleaning in high traffic areas and deep clean of all areas daily

Dean added, “Not only are we making sure we have the safest training site with robust ‘Safe Systems of Work’ to shield bodyshop staff, but we have also adapted payment terms to help bodyshops protect their cash-flow and offered eLearning to loyal customers to help them maintain continuous professional development in their teams.”