Thatcham academy soars above national average

Thatcham Research Automotive Academy has recorded a 92% pass rate for its apprentices compared to a national average of 67%.

This has been confirmed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Since 2004, Thatcham Research Automotive Academy has trained over 1,550 apprentices and more than 60 will be graduating next month June.

Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research, said, ‘We are extremely proud of this result. Apprentices want to know that after 27 months of hard work, they are ready and able to play a full role in a bodyshop, while employers want to know that an apprentice will have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete repairs to a high standard.

‘Training through the Thatcham Research Automotive Academy ensures apprentices are trained to repair the most advanced technologies by industry experts. However, without the support apprentices receive in the workplace from employers and mentors this result would not be possible. Congratulations to all our apprentices – this is down to your hard work.’

The Automotive Academy exposes apprentices to the latest vehicles and technology whilst learning the latest technical repair methods.

Thatcham Research’s new standards-based apprenticeship intake launches in September 2019, with spaces available in paint, panel and M.E.T. disciplines.