Mitsubishi apprentices set new standard

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has become the first vehicle manufacturer to have a group of apprentice vehicle technicians complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) skills task for the new Light Vehicle Technician Standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) was carried out at the Mitsubishi Training Academy in Cirencester, scrutineered by members of the IMI and overseen by independent technical assessors. The EPA took place over a two day period and involved the apprentices completing seven technical challenges within a total of 12 hours diagnostic and repair time, all under close observation.

Tony Lawson, End-Point assessment manager, IMI, said, ‘The IMI has been working closely with the Mitsubishi Motors in the UK apprenticeship management staff and the team from the apprentice training provider ProVQ over the past twelve months to introduce the Automotive Retail Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Standard.

‘It was great to see the abilities and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Mitsubishi apprentices during their End-Point Assessment skills tasks. The training staff at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and their apprentices had fully utilised the IMI online practice assessments and skills tasks in advance of the EPA event ensuring the best possible preparation. It is reassuring to see that the automotive industry has positively embraced the changes and the new apprenticeship requirements are being met.’

Ray Watts, training manager, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK said, ‘The new apprenticeship is by no means easy and requires a lot of hard work and dedication by the individuals, the Mitsubishi Motors dealer network and our dedicated Training Academy staff. We are extremely proud of our group of talented and focused apprentices and congratulate them on their tremendous achievements. To be the first vehicle manufacturer in the UK to complete the standards is very satisfying and demonstrates our dedication to training the next generation of technicians for our brand.’

The Mitsubishi Training Academy is based at the company’s head office in Cirencester with the majority of training courses for the UK dealer network being held on-site. There are currently 45 apprentices enrolled across the various year groups, who on passing will all receive nationally recognised qualifications to IMI standards as well as learning functional skills and Mitsubishi specialist qualifications.