During the current COVID-19 pandemic traditional face-to-face training simply isn’t possible. Yet ironically the outbreak has resulted in many technicians having some rare quality time to invest into their own personal development. For those keen to develop their skills, participating in online training is one route they could now follow during the lockdown.
The Parts Alliance have created a training section, containing links to online training sources, within a dedicated COVID-19 section of their website. A summary of the training sources is provided below, with full details for each one available on the COVID-19 page itself.
Our Virtual Academy – From £85 (ex VAT) for 3 months
Containing over 175 courses, covering a wide variety of topics including Engine Management (Petrol and Diesel), Hybrid & AV, Air Conditioning and Vehicle Electrics, ‘Our Virtual Academy’ is a specialist online training provider.
All the courses conclude with a test, enabling users to quickly assess their comprehension of each course. Courses can be revisited as frequently as required, making it easy to brush-up on any areas that need further understanding.
The Parts Alliance has arranged an exclusive reduced price 3-month subscription. There are two levels available, a single user subscription for £85 (excluding VAT) and a multi-user subscription for £115 (excluding VAT) in total.
The multi-user plan is ideal for garage owners that would like to provide training for all their technicians, as it allows up to 5 technicians, including themselves, to be enrolled under the same subscription, with the garage owner having full visibility of how their team are progressing.
If you’re interested in subscribing contact your local Parts Alliance branch or visit the Our Virtual Academy page for more information.
Yuasa Training Academy – Free
The GS Yuasa Academy is a free comprehensive online battery learning platform. It features over 20 detailed training courses, covering every step of a battery’s ‘journey’ – from leaving the shelf, through ongoing maintenance, to end of service life.
The Academy delivers professional training through its blend of engaging video content and downloadable support material. Each module only takes a few minutes to complete, can be completed at your own pace and results in a downloadable certificate. In a first for battery training, users can now claim CPD points when completing the various modules.
Contact your local Parts Alliance branch to have a User Profile set-up on the Academy or visit the Yuasa Training Academy page for more information.
Comma Professional Partnership Programme – Free
Comma has a suite of free training courses available for technicians. The courses include: technical training on under bonnet fluids, including engine oils; sales and marketing; and operations, such as safe handling of fluids.
To access the courses technicians will need to join the Comma Professional Partnership Programme. Membership is free and in addition to training, members can earn points to exchange for Comma merchandise; use up-to-date application data, view tech talk bulletins and receive new product information.
To join visit commaoil.com/ppp
LuK and INA Training Videos – Free
A range of training videos from LuK and INA can be accessed through the Parts Alliance website or viewed one the Parts Alliance own YouTube channel – ‘PA TV’. These include general training and work through videos for fitment on specific applications.
To view the videos visit the LuK and INA Videos page
Covid-19 Support
The Parts Alliance has developed a dedicated COVID-19 Support section on their website. In addition to links to training resources, the section includes links to information from the government and DVSA; free marketing material for use during the pandemic; links to business support information; health and safety tips; and the latest ‘COVID-19 related’ news from The Parts Alliance itself.
