National Windscreens has expanded its training school network, with the opening of a new training centre in Peterborough.

It forms part of a major investment to ensure motorists are receiving the best possible service by technicians with up to date skill sets, it said.

The training centre, which forms part of the current 13,000 sq ft purpose-designed fitting centre in Peterborough, is kitted out with three car bays, with a further three scheduled to be installed later this year.

The objectives of the centre are to train technicians who have just joined National Windscreens, and also to ensure existing technicians are kept up to date with ongoing training requirements.

New starters in the East of England will have their induction at Peterborough, followed by a training period, before they are placed at their local fitting centres.

As part of the ongoing appraisal process, technicians will be assessed and training needs monitored, with technicians being invited back to the centre as and when new training is required.

With a commitment to continuing professional development, the latest round of learners through the centre have been concentrating on advanced direct glazing removal methods, using alternative cutting mediums and methods to minimise any potential damage to vehicle or technician.

Nick Ward, regional operations director at National Windscreens, explained: “The pace of change in vehicle technology is incredibly fast. National Windscreens is an industry leader and it is vital that we continue to invest, to ensure we stay ahead of the game.

“The investment in the training centre is already proving very valuable and later this year we’ll be expanding yet again, so that we can accommodate even more technicians at one time.”

This training investment is seen as critical to supporting growth plans in the East of England, where new trainees have been recruited and 17 new fitting and repair vehicles have been commissioned in recent months.

With 800 mobile technicians in the UK, more than 250 are now qualified to national ADAS calibration industry standards and are forecast to service over 40,000 customers with ADAS calibration this year.

More articles on: