Automotive manufacturer, Kia, has re-located its training academy into a new facility in St Modwen Park, Derby, where it expects to acommodate up to 1500 delegates per year.
Training will cover a broad scope of subjects and will cater for company apprenticeships as well as dealer and other training, with a focus on the latest electrified vehicle technology and on key STEM skills.
The building will facilitate advanced electrified training, upskilling apprentices and adult learners, and empower technicians to become leaders in electrification, according to Kia.
The Kia Academy will adopt a blended approach by integrating the latest digital tools and hands-on experience to provide a comprehensive learning environment. The Academy’s collaboration with training provider Skillnet aims to train around 250-300 apprentices per year, nurturing their expertise in the latest automotive technologies and customer service techniques. The Derby site will also serve as a hub for adult technical training.
According to Eugene Lowry, Managing Director of Skillnet, the inclusion of value-added qualifications such as level 3 Electric Vehicle and hydrogen technologies ensures that technicians are being developed not just to meet the needs of Kia, but that also meet the needs of both the current day and future industry.
“Innovative and exciting apprenticeship programmes will deliver modern, cutting-edge education developing knowledge and skills that support Kia in its electrification commitment,” he says.
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