Garage equipment specialist Straightset has played a key role in the opening of a new, cutting-edge training centre for Kia UK.
The 40,000sq.ft bespoke training workshop includes the latest technologies customised for the vehicle manufacturer, and is designed to accommodate 1,500 delegates each year. The centre will help bring Kia UK apprentices and technicians up to speed on the latest vehicle technologies, and how to repair them in service centres around the country.
Built with Kia UK in mind
Straightset designed the training centre exclusively for Kia UK to provide quality and pioneering technical training to the next generation of automotive professionals.
Having recently launched their own training centre at Straightset headquarters in Worksop, the garage equipment specialists were uniquely placed to advise on training environment needs and to ensure the design of an optimum space for students and educators.
Kia, who partnered with Skillnet earlier this year to lead their apprentice training, will use the training centre to adopt a blended learning approach that integrates the latest digital tools and hands-on experience.
Using the latest equipment
The Kia UK workshop was fitted out with the very latest vehicle lifts from SPACE as well as the latest two-post lifts specifically designed for electric vehicles, future proofing the workshop for Kia vehicles. The training workshop incorporates:
- Dedicated, bespoke-designed workbench solutions complete with
- Bahco tooling arranged in foam inlays,
- HPA-Faip tyre and workshop equipment,
- The latest Q Lign Wheel Alignment System from Beissbarth,
- Integrated air, water and lubrication services.
“We were delighted to be appointed to work on the creation of Kia’s new Training Academy, which allowed us to demonstrate our expertise in garage design and fit-out for a training environment,” commented Andrew Bates, Sales Director at Straightset. The recent opening and success of our own training centre highlights the increasing investment companies are making in developing and training their staff.”
Wheel-alignment critical
The new centre features the latest in wheel-alignment technology, which is critical for all workshops in an age when roads appear to be crumbling.
The equipment will give Kia UK technicians an opportunity to learn how to set wheel-alignement on the latest generation of vehicles. This will include electric models, such as the Kia EV6 and Kia EV9, alongside future releases.
Speaking to Auto Repair Focus for its pothole feature, Bates commented: “With electric vehicles, garages will have to look for other revenue streams, especially with no engine or exhaust work to be carried out. Tyres and wheel alignment services will end up being front-and-centre of a business. EVs can get through tyres rapidly, especially when drivers constantly use the performance modes they offer.”
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