Partners

Partnership is not a posture but a process – a continuous process that grows stronger each year as we devote ourselves to common tasks.

John F Kennedy

School of Thought needs the industry, and the industry needs School of Thought.

Together we are making a difference

Dave Reece

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DISCOVER – INFORM- INSPIRE

A new beginning for School of Thought in 2024 with new programmes and new partnerships. GENESIS

6 We have a new website

A new website designed to educate, inform and connect with young people

7 AWE24

School of Thought bringing work experience back.

Features

8 UK Garage & Bodyshop Event

Where the Garage and Bodyshop industry get together all in one place

9 AUTOTECH

Working with colleges and students to transition from course to placement.

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The importance of Health and Safety.in the workplace Mirka

20 KECOTABS

Situated in Peterborough UK, KECO United Kingdom, provides both PDR and GPR Training and Accreditations to the Automotive industry

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2024 Road Transport Expo. Awardwinning Road Transport Expo (RTX) is a diary must-attend this summer for anybody involved in the CV sector.. RTX24

A NEW BEGINNING

Become a School of Thought PARTNER and AMBASSADOR and share your career with the NEXT GENERATION today.

Finding future generations.

DISCOVER INSPIRE INFORM

Promoting automotive careers.

Sharing inspirational career journeys.

WHAT IS SCHOOL OF THOUGHT?

School of Thought operate with four specific goals. To have solid Core Values, focus on the Education sector, have a positive effect on Communities and work in Partnership with companies who share and understand the project.

Communicating with students, teachers, parents, carers and guardians and organisations, is the aim of the project. To do this School of Thought focuses on face-to-face events and utilising the latest media platforms that students actively use, giving them a taste of the career opportunities available in the automotive industry.

We are now connected to every school and college in the UK through our partnerships and have access to over 1.4 million students with our partner app and websites, allowing us to not only connect with more young people but also target market to specific groups.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED.

Welcome to the new School of Thought website developed with our partners Autotech Group, which will give young people, parents and educators the opportunity to find out more about the automotive industry, the opportunities in it and how they can get involved.. It also tells the automotive industry how it can get involved. Check it out and connect.

We would welcome the opportunity to explain the services we offer in more detail to your senior management team, please contact hello@autotechacademy.co.uk or call 01234-240503

WORKING WITH COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS, HELPING STUDENTS TO TRANSITION FROM COURSE TO PLACEMENT

Autotech Academy is a unique initiative which offers Level 2-3 college students a route into the automotive industry and supports a college's automotive course offering. Created by an award-winning company with strong motor sector experience and links, Autotech Academy is set to fill the automotive skills funnel, while providing college leavers, through a paid internship, with a solid foothold on the career ladder. Within six to twelve months (depending on a job role), the paid interns will be equipped with all the necessary experience to complement their college learning and any additional tooling and training which will help them make the transition into full-time, well-paid permanent employment.

THROUGH AUTOTECH ACADEMY, PAID INTERNS WILL:

• Achieve a placement of 6 to 12 months within a garage or maintenance repair employer

• Receive one-to-one in placement mentoring

• Be paid a realistic wage, that is above the national minimum

• Be supplied with a starter tool kit suitable for the job role, standard PPE and uniform (if required)

• Have access to other industry and lifestyle benefits

• Have access to a vehicle manufacturer’s training courses or OEM standard training tailored to the client and intern’s requirements

• Receive free of charge IMI Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Level 3, ADAS or other industry-relevant training

WORKING TOGETHER, AUTOTECH ACADEMY CAN HELP COLLEGES, WITH NO FINANCIAL OUTLAY:

• Improve student retention

• Improve destination data

• Increase student engagement

• Student learning enrichment

• Increase funding due to higher course enrolment

• Improve course desirability

Do you want to help the Automotive industry?

Why not sign up as a School of Thought Ambassador

School of Thought ambassadors bring a fresh perspective to automotive industry careers, engaging young people as part of a UK wide programme. Achieved by delivering a range of activities such as career talks, mentoring, practical workshops and exhibitions.

We offer help and support with coaching and mentoring with links to local school events and more. Helping you to showcase you and your business in the best possible way to the people we seek to inspire.

Contact us: www.schoolofthoughtautomotive.co.uk

It is no secret that behind Vizion's success and innovation is a team of exceptional people. To us, that's our DNA.

Hickleys, from battery servicing in 1925 to Garage Equipment & Diagnostic specialist 2024

Hickleys was originally born as a battery service centre in 1925. It was created in Taunton, the county town of rural Somerset. From these humble beginnings the business naturally evolved into automotive workshops, specialising in vehicle electrics. Between its birth and the turn of the millennium Hickleys added a large refinish element to their business but as demand for this service declined Hickleys evolved its electrical knowledge into an expertise in vehicle diagnostics. As the demand for diagnostic services boomed, local garages started to refer their own customers and the Hickleys team saw an opportunity to branch out into supplying diagnostic and garage equipment to other garages

Today, Hickleys is a multi-million-pound operation that supplies a full range of garage equipment all over the UK and beyond, both directly to end users and via a national network of distributors. The company stocks a full range of wheel balancers, tyre changers, lifts, full MOT bays, emission testers, workshop furniture and much more. In addition to this they supply a range of diagnostic test equipment and the associated software, aircon service stations,

ADAS calibration equipment, EV/hybrid tools and safety equipment as well as thousands of other product lines that garages may require. They have a national sales team, so when workshops are looking to relocate, expand or renovate, a Hickleys representative can be on hand with a tape measure to advise on the best equipment choices.

The services don’t end here though! Hickleys have a national team of installation, service, and calibration engineers. This allows them to install, certify, repair and maintain most items of equipment that workshops use, making them literally a one-stop-shop for supply and aftercare of garage equipment.

Hickleys have also created a dedicated training centre that sits alongside the national headquarters in Taunton. This training centre specialises in auto locksmith training as well as MOT training, F Gas accreditation (aircon service), Hybrid/EV training and the centre is both IMI and NCFE accredited.

Better automotive training equipment for the UK in 2024 and beyond

In 2023 Hickleys identified a growing demand for new training and new training equipment in the UK as garages prepare for the growing adoption of EV and hybrid vehicles. They also identified that there is very little choice for the supply of training equipment, so they proceeded to partner with AutoEDU who manufacture and supply automotive training equipment all over the world. This now allows Hickleys to supply training rigs and cutaway vehicles to training centres, colleges and universities UK wide

At the top end of the range of AutoEDU’s equipment are their full and shortened hybrid and LPG vehicles. These are real vehicles that are modified with removable panels, covers and doors to allow easy access to many of the car’s systems and structures. Real full vehicles are great for demonstration purposes but very difficult for more than one person view deep systems at a time. Open panels allow a group of students to observe these working systems in situ.

Some vehicle systems require even closer inspection, where this is the case AutoEDU produce a range of training boards that feature working systems ‘exploded’ onto boards. Often these systems feature stages of operation so that faults and individual component operation can be demonstrated. In some cases systems feature OBD sockets so that real world diagnostic testers can be used to teach diagnosis of faults.

The third main category of equipment is engine trainers.

These are full, working engines mounted in rigs to allow for 360 degree observation. These rigs also contain fully working electronic systems for diagnostics via external testers and open electrical contacts for measuring system components and circuits.

To cap this service off, AutoEDU are able to build custom rigs for training. This is particularly useful where training is required regularly for specific vehicle models or in specific industries. Thanks to the vast experience in this field, end users can be assured they will receive a high quality, accurate end product.

Creating a truly inclusive industry means understanding applicants from many sectors including disabled applicants.

School of Thought have developed a personal profile document for people with disabilities to use to inform potential employers of their abilities.

This also includes a simple to understand brochure for employers enabling them to understand the abilities of the applicant and adjustments that might need to be implemented.

Created by our in-house expert Susan Allan we believe it will make it easier for employers and applicants.

This information will be available very soon on our new website.

XDisability Guide

Created by Susan Allen - Higher Cert Ed Autism & SENCo

The importance of training and health and safety

As tooling and vehicle technology continues to evolve, repairs are becoming more advanced. As a result, the skills required by technicians to carry out safety-critical repairs within the ART sector are paramount. This is leading businesses, whether they are a large group or a single site operation, to understand the importance of training to upskill their workforce. To achieve the goal of upskilling, Mirka’s training programme provides an effective solution for repairers employing its tools and abrasives.

The training programme is customisable so it can meet the needs of the bodyshop and the way this is achieved is simple. Mirka carries out a full evaluation of the customer and once completed, an action plan is agreed upon and implemented, and all training is documented and followed up with regular review meetings to monitor progress. This enables Mirka to run any additional training the business might request to ensure technicians have the necessary skills to do the jobs. This, in turn, means the business will benefit from the training and will lead to an increase in productivity and a reduction in key-to-key times.

In addition to the standard training Mirka’s ATAaccredited technical team offers, it also trains apprentices. This is done to ensure that new entrants to the industry have access to knowledge and skills that will aid in their growth and development in the industry.

Mirka also conducts something that stands out from the crowd, called ‘Train the Trainer’. This has been designed so that Mirka’s technical team trains a member of a bodyshop so that they can then train new starters on specific Mirka tools and processes and carry out refreshers for any staff that need it.

The importance of training and health and safety

Alongside training it is important to keep health and safety at the top of a bodyshop’s agenda. This is because surface preparation on vehicles, which has evolved from paper hand sanding to power sanders, produces dust that is both a potential health and fire hazard.

This issue is highlighted by the fact that laboratory tests have shown that without dust extraction, dust in the air per kilogram of sanded material is over 200 grams per kilogram, and dust on surrounding surfaces is

These may not seem like large quantities but when it accumulates bodyshops will have dust in the air and on surfaces, which could contaminate the work being carried out.

The Complete Diagnostics Tool

How does it work?

Complete Diagnostics is the tool that connects you to a network of live technicians.

The bridge between the vehicle you are working on and a highly skilled team of remote technicians who are ready to complete programming and diagnostic work that your current tools can’t.

Whilst Complete Diagnostics handles your work remotely, you can take care of other tasks, save money and conserve time.

Think of Complete Diagnostics as that extra technician in your business

Website: http://www.kecotabs.co.uk Phone: 01733902513

Situated in Peterborough UK, TDN Tools and Training, Trading as KECO provides both PDR and GPR Training and Accreditations to the Automotive industry.

We are Europe’s leading provider of PDR tools from around the world. Recognised for fast delivery times and customer service, we are built on automation and this department constantly strives to implement the latest software and processes. We offer an unrivalled service with all tools listed being in stock and available for delivery anywhere in the world

As an IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Approved Centre and recognised employer, we are at the forefront in developing and implementing courses that are required by technicians in the Automotive industry.

KECO’s L2E is the most comprehensive glue pull repair system available to body shop technicians. This system includes the industry's best lifting tools, a powerful KECO shop light, and GPR tool cart. This is the only option for those looking for a complete GPR solution to improve shop efficiency. Finish your repairs fast with minimal, if any, body filler. Tools are easily stored and organised on the cart while the TabPrints organiser keeps your tabs arranged and ready to pull.

Level 2E System Toolset - The complete shosystem for technicians and shop owners wanting the complete GPR solution ideal for repairing damage throughout the repair continuum, using as little body filler as possible and preparing for paint quickly

Rough-Out & Large Damage - K-Beam® and K-Beam® Jr. with added height legs provide double-action pulls and the K-Bar® executes leverage pulls that move tons of metal FAST Small & Detail Finish Corrections - Robo Lifter and Precision

Pulling Base correct small and x-small damage with precise control when combined with Dead Center® finishing tabs

Lighting - KECO Shop Light enhances the technician's ability to see damage on clear coat and various paint colours to enable to place tabs for pulls with accuracy and control

Storage & Organisation - KECOs GPR Cart, TabPrints™ organiser, along with the ZChannel™ platform store glue gun, heat gun, thermometer, and glue to keep tools and tabs clean and organised in any shop.

NEW - KECO's L2E Compact System boasts the same components as the L2E, with added flexibility and mobility. The most comprehensive glue pull repair system is now available in a smaller cart, allowing for ease of movement throughout the shop. Finish your repairs fast with minimal, if any, body filler.

KECO's L2E is the most comprehensive glue pull repair system available to body shop technicians. This system includes the industry's best lifting tools, a powerful KECO shop light, and GPR tool cart. This the only option for those looking for a complete GPR solution to improve shop efficiency. Finish your repairs fast with minimal, if any, body filler. Tools are easily stored and organised on the cart while the TabPrints organiser keeps your tabs arranged and ready to pull.

Level 2E System Toolset - The complete shop system for technicians and shop owners wanting the complete GPR solution ideal for repairing damage throughout the repair continuum, using as little body filler as possible and preparing for paint quickly

Rough-Out & Large Damage - K-Beam® and K-Beam® Jr. with added height legs provide double-action pulls and the K-Bar® executes leverage pulls that move tons of metal FAST

Small & Detail Finish Corrections - Robo Lifter and Precision Pulling Base correct small and x-small damage with precise control when combined with Dead Center® finishing tabs

Lighting - KECO Shop Light enhances the technician's ability to see damage on clear coat and various paint colours to enable to place tabs for pulls with accuracy and control

Storage & Organisation - KECOs Compact GPR Cart, TabPrints™ organiser, along with the Z-Channel™ platform store glue gun, heat gun, thermometer, and glue to keep tools and tabs clean and organised in any shop.

The friendly and honest team at Premier Group make car repairs, servicing and maintenance stress-free. The Premier service includes vehicle collection service, courtesy cars, on-line booking and a clean, warm and comfortable waiting area with complimentary refreshments.

All customers are given the Premier service at Premier Group including both private customers, insurance customers and fleet/company car users and operators including Finnings, Virgin, Red Bull, Amey, Npower, NHS, JCB, British Gas, Openreach and Ideal Standard.

Built with Passion, Driven by Quality.

Premier Group is an award winning, independent, family run business providing a complete car repairs, servicing and maintenance service. Based in Hednesford, Cannock, the business was established in 2002 and has grown from a single industrial unit to now offer multiple services across the 4 dedicated, linked industrial units.

Premier Group was created with a desire to set new service standards for the motor trade. Ever member of the team are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service to ensure visits to Premier Group are stress free.

Every aspect of car maintenance, servicing, repair and enhancement is provided by Premier Group.

Premier Group continually invests in its team and tools to maintain the highest standards of workmanship and service. All staff are well trained, all equipment purchased is to a high dealer-level standard, and its excellent customer service levels are maintained through regular client feedback.

Find out more about the award-winning Body Repairs, Mechanical Repairs and Valeting & Detailing services provided by Premier Group or call the friendly team on 01543 426378.

What do you want to do when you leave school?

This is a very difficult question to answer for many. For Phil Ashley, owner of Premier Group, he was very clear. Phil wanted to work with cars. He had a passion for cars and wanted his career to be in the automotive industry.

Premier Apprenticeships

Having forged a career in the industry Phil is now looking to help passionate young people enter the industry to fill the skills void.

Phil has built Premier Group from a small mechanical service; to now providing complete car care with dedicated workshops for mechanical repairs, MOT testing, body repairs and valeting & detailing.

Why Premier Group partnered with School of Thought?

Phil is a proud partner of The School of Thought, a not-for-profit organisation committed to reversing the skills shortage in the vehicle repair industry. They work together with, local schools and colleges with student talks, open days and student site visits to present the vehicle repair industry to young people as a realistic alternative to other employment opportunities.

What areas of the automotive industry are covered?

An apprenticeship at Premier Group ensures access to a wide range of services for a well-rounded experience. Learning will take place in the body shop, mechanical garage and valeting & detailing studio and, also at Sandwell College of FE automotive department a leading college delivering apprentice training. Premier offers to ‘try before you buy’ with work experience leading into the apprenticeship that will suit you, with the opportunity to spend a couple of days in each sector to see what you think of it.

Learn how mechanical work is not just about changing parts, it also involves dealing with engine & electrical problems and diagnosing why the cars do not perform as they should. Learn about how a vehicle is taken from accident damage to being re-engineered and back on the road

Experience and learn how to engage with customers face to face and be able to talk about the work they want doing on their vehicles.

Find out more about the award-winning Body Repairs, Mechanical Repairs and Valeting & Detailing services provided by Premier Group or call the friendly team on 01543 426378.

Great business relationships are all about teamwork, and for nearly 50 years we’ve been working right alongside our clients delivering the market leading service they need.

Our IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) accredited technicians are the lifeblood of our business, repairing or replacing vehicle glass and recalibrating ADAS to the highest quality and safety standards. They help us provide a fast, efficient and hassle-free service for all drivers – keeping them on the road and moving your business forward.

Our People. Our Pride. Our Greatest Assets.

LKQ Euro Car Parts is the UK’s leading distributor of car and LCV parts, specialising in three key markets – trade, retail and collision. The business has expanded rapidly across the UK and Republic of Ireland in recent years, boasting more than 280 branches and stocking more than 130,000 different parts. LKQ Euro Car Parts also trades through LKQ Bodyshop, LKQ Leisure and Marine and Digraph.

LKQ Euro Car Parts is part of LKQ Europe (a subsidiary of LKQ Corporation), which is the leading distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans and industrial vehicles in Europe. LKQ Europe currently employs approximately 26,000 people with a network of 1,000 branches. The organisation supplies around 100,000 independent workshops in over 20 European countries.

We’re working hard to support the future of the automotive aftermarket through our LKQ Academy, future skills, diversity and inclusion and being a supportive partner of choice

It all began in 1948. We started out as a small garage and workshop where our founding members, Richard Woodhouse and Henry Barton, worked tireless hours to service and repair the cars of Stapleford.

70+ years later, Sandicliffe has expanded to an awardwinning motor group, managed under the same family values as it was in 1948.

At Sandicliffe we have a place for everyone with a wide range of job roles from working hands-on as a technician, working face to face with our customers as a salesperson to being more involved behind the scenes working in administration. We have four locations, all housing multiple different dealerships so you can apply for a job or apprenticeship with us at a location that suits you best!

Dealerships Across the Midlands

We are proud to be a family of 9 award-winning car dealerships offering you the very best of Ford, Nissan, Mazda, MG and INEOS. Our locations include Nottingham, Leicester and Loughborough.

Award-winning Road Transport Expo (RTX) is a diary must-attend this summer for anybody involved in the road haulage sector, taking place from 4-6 June at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire.

The bumper tradeshow, with its ‘all about the truck’ motto, will provide visitors with the perfect meeting place to connect with industry colleagues and make essential new business connections.

Now in its third year, RTX has expanded to now comprise three large indoor exhibition halls and a vast outside space to host larger vehicles and equipment.

More than 200 exhibitors have already confirmed they will attend this year’s event, including every major truck manufacturer.

There is also a range of exhibitors providing equipment and technology aimed at vehicle repair and maintenance providers, which can be easily searched for on roadtransportexpo.co.uk.

Tick key categories - such as ‘Repair & Maintenance’, ‘Workshop equipment/vehicle weighing equipment’ and ‘Vehicle washing/cleaning products’ - to help you plan your visit.

You may also like to take one of the latest vehicles out for a test drive if you have an HGV licence, or simply experience the ride in one and ask questions about the technology as a passenger if you prefer, over in our Ride & Drive area.

“If you haven’t yet visited the show, we are sure you’ll be impressed by the sheer scale of this year’s event as there is so much to see and do,” said Vic Bunby, divisional director at show organiser Road Transport Media.

“But what’s also fantastic about RTX is the lively, sociable atmosphere throughout, with exhibitors pulling out all the stops to engage with visitors and plenty of great places to relax, grab a bite to eat and catch up with colleagues.”

RTX is completely free to attend for visitors and you can book a place at roadtransportexpo.co.uk

Box: In the know

Whilst visiting RTX, you may also want to attend one of our free Knowledge Zone sessions taking place throughout the show on a purpose-built conference stage.

Visitors can drop in and listen to industry experts on a number of key themes, such as:

 Vehicle safety and compliance

 Fleet decarbonisation

 Government policy

 Innovation and technology

 Recruitment/apprenticeships

 The future of HGVs

Our amazing partners