The lockdown, social distancing requirements and other measures designed to keep the coronavirus in check has affected every industry, including the training sector.

The MTA Institute was affected, as all training organisation were, but thanks to some swiftly implemented strategies, the dedication of staff, and the particular type of method the Institute uses to deliver training, the organisation has been able to offer almost unbroken continuity of training to its apprentices. Only a small number of training days and short course programs were disrupted.

“Obviously, the immediate effect of the COVID-19 was dramatic, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding the health implications,” said Paul Kulpa, General Manager of the MTA Institute. “We initially assessed the situation in accordance with government advice, put in place our strategies and communicated this to staff. And we were fortunate that, being an on-site training provider delivering one-on-one training, we didn’t have large training groups to deal with.

“We did, of course, respect the decisions of employers that did not want us at their workplace due to their own COVID polices but, overall, we have been able to continue to offer our training services throughout the pandemic.

“Face-to-face training is very important and provides a rich training interaction between student and trainer. We did look at on-line theory training, but nothing beats a trainer being there to demonstrate the practical training.”

The push to ensure safe delivery of training to students was, and continues to be, vitally important to the Institute, added Mr Kulpa.

“We acknowledged the safety of our staff and others is paramount and implemented a number of processes to ensure their health and safety. We gathered PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for our trainers and made sure to follow up on appointments to ensure there was no one in that workplace who had either been exposed to COVID-19 or was feeling ill. If it was the case, training was rescheduled for another time.”

As the nation moves out of the lockdown and, hopefully, continues its path towards normality, Mr Kulpa said that the Institute would be, with appropriate precautions in place, moving back to delivering its full range of training offerings.

“While small group training was suspended mid-March, all programs, including apprentice training days, pre-vocational courses and short courses are to recommence from the start of June,” said Mr Kulpa. “The Institute is taking the appropriate precautions regarding safety and hygiene and limiting the class numbers depending on the course requirements.

“We’ve handled the situation pretty well, have continued to service our clients and ensure apprentices have been able to progress in a very unusual situation. Our trainers have worked hard to support our plan and we are extremely grateful for their efforts.

“Overall, the training continuity has continued and, with the restrictions easing, I believe we will be able to see training continue for the wider auto training industry.”

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (June 2020)

22 May 2020