LKQ Academy has unveiled the aftermarket’s first virtual reality training programme, giving an immersive new alternative to e-learning support.
The programme, which prototyped at Automechanika Birmingham, provides an interactive way for technicians to upskill in crucial disciplines without losing time to travel. By allowing them to take part in a virtual reality (VR) world, they are able to receive the training in the location of their choice.
Virtual reality training is the latest evolution in LKQ Academy’s plans to deliver innovative and high-quality training to the independent aftermarket. The new programme introduces a virtual world designed specifically for workshop learning, allowing technicians to engage with tools, vehicles, and procedures in a fully interactive environment.
Initial virtual reality training courses will cover critical topics including high-voltage isolation on hybrid vehicles, ADAS calibration, four-wheel alignment, and electrical fundamentals.
Lifelike virtual reality training
The training is all set within a virtual version of LKQ’s technical training centre in Tamworth UK. Trainees will be able to handle tools, walk around vehicles, and perform procedures step-by-step in Virtual reality, rather than passively watching videos on a screen.
“This is next-level learning for the aftermarket,” commented Lee Chapman, Head of Support and LKQ Academy. “We have listened to garages who want practical training but cannot spare the time to leave the workshop. Virtual reality training lets us bring the courses to them, in a way that is engaging, realistic and genuinely valuable for the business.
“It is novel approaches like this that will help us to address key skills challenges in the industry: with only 2% of the UK’s automotive technician workforce currently trained in ADAS-equipped vehicles, for example. VR is an exciting addition to our vast training portfolio, and we cannot wait to welcome technicians into our new virtual world.”
The virtual reality training will be offered as part of LKQ Academy’s membership packages, with access available via a dedicated headset that can be purchased or rented by garages.
Access to e-learning
Alongside complementing physical, IMI-accredited courses, allowing garages to experience procedures virtually before committing to full hands-on training, customers will also be able to use the headset to take all eLearning courses available on LKQ Academy’s online platform.
The courses will be piloted with selected workshops throughout 2025, ahead of a full rollout in early 2026. Pricing and access options are currently being finalised, with the goal of making the experience widely accessible.
As part of the wider strategy, the training programme will also be introduced across other European markets, leveraging the same VR environment and content – further strengthening LKQ’s position as a pioneer in aftermarket learning technology.
The option is the latest addition to the LKQ Academy’s fast-growing programme of over 300 e-learning courses. More than 90 in-person LKQ Academy courses are available across 34 UK sites and range from delivering the skills needed to service hybrid and electric vehicles, to helping support staff to become more adept at handling customers’ queries and providing a best-in-class customer experience.
For more information, visit: https://www.lkqacademy.co.uk/
