Valeo has unveiled its new training offering; Valeo Tech Academy, and the digital and in-person IMI-certified courses being offered through the new platform are set to help reduce growing sector skills shortages, particularly around EVs and ADAS.
“Through Valeo Tech Academy,“ said Andy Swann, Managing Director at Valeo Service UK, “we are offering tailor-made solutions to prepare mechanics to diagnose and repair electric vehicles and those equipped with ADAS.”
Valeo Tech Academy has launched in the UK pre-loaded with 50 hours of material covering electric and hybrid vehicles, taking in security basics, advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting. ADAS-centred content adds a further 25 hours of training.
The strong EV and ADAS focus reflects concerns over the growing skills crisis in the sector. While 13 per cent of vehicles on UK roads are now equipped with ADAS systems, just two per cent of techs are ADAS-qualified according to figures from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). When it comes to EV skills, the IMI is predicting a shortfall of 3,000 technicians by 2031, which will rise to 16,000 by 2035.
The new platform is not brand-specific and offers wide ranging training, with 45 hours of material dedicated to routine maintenance and repair solutions. “Valeo Tech Academy will provide training covering all automotive systems and brands,” said Andy, “not just Valeo products. This will ensure a comprehensive learning experience across the entire automotive landscape”
Individual sessions last between five to 30 minutes. “This means mechanics can learn at their own pace and at any time of the day,” said Andy. “The program also includes pre- and post-assessments to ensure measurable skill improvements.” Sessions incorporate immersive interactive gamified content too. “This helps to make the training program dynamic, enjoyable and effective,” said Andy.
Valeo Tech Academy also provides advanced face-to-face sessions, including one full day on ADAS or EV training. “Our innovative in-person sessions are based on simulators that allow mechanics to engage in over 150 real-life repair scenarios,” said Andy. “Unlike traditional training programs that often focus on a limited set of problems tied to a single vehicle type, our simulator-based sessions cover a wide range of repair scenarios. This allows mechanics to gain practical experience across various makes and models, significantly expanding their knowledge and skills.
“In workshops, 60 per cent of time is spent on diagnostics, yet many assessments are too slow or inaccurate, leading to driver dissatisfaction and lost productivity. Our new simulator-based training enables mechanics to quickly identify issues and sharpen their problem-solving skills, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses and improved workshop efficiency.”
The company wants to make Valeo Tech Academy as accessible as possible: “Courses are competitively priced,” said Andy, “featuring innovative payment options, including the choice to purchase individual modules or subscribe to flexible monthly or yearly plans.”
