• Accreditation reaffirms DLG’s commitment to people development.
• Certified training programmes developed and delivered by in-house IMI accredited trainers.
• Ability to identify key trends in the field helps address the skills gap for jobs of the future. 

Direct Line Group ("DLG"), one of the UK’s largest insurance providers employing around 9,500 people has received an IMI (Institute of Motor Industry) accreditation, giving its qualified trainers the ability to design and deliver certified training programmes in-house. The investment provides a competitive advantage to the Group who can quickly identify key trends where skills gaps are emerging and develop learning solutions to bridge those gaps. In-house trainers can develop a range of qualifications, from non-technical courses including sustainability, customer service, quality assurance, management and leadership to technical courses such as Autoglazing, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ("ADAS"), Electric Vehicles ("EV"), Panel Beating and MET (mechanical electrical and trim).   

Being accredited is particularly beneficial to DLG’s 23 Auto Repair Centres where managers can use insights to develop innovative training modules based on some of the challenges presented when it comes to repairing modern vehicles. The team use a combination of internal and external resources to deliver the education programmes that are both vital for the success of the business and also help to attract and retain professionals looking to enhance their skills.  

Andy Churm, Head of Motor Networks Transformation said,  

“Being able to adapt and evolve in a fast-moving environment is fundamental to ensuring our people have the right level of skills to fix new car technology safely and effectively. We are delighted to be working with our partners and our colleagues to develop and deliver high quality education that can help address some of the key challenges coming through.”   

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said, “We are delighted that DLG has achieved IMI accreditation to deliver in-house training. Motorists need the confidence that vehicle repairs are completed to a high standard, particularly as ADAS and electric technologies become more commonplace in the UK car park. This commitment to training not only ensures DLG can deliver confidence to its policyholders; it also demonstrates that it is an employer offering great opportunities for automotive professionals to ensure their skills remain fit for purpose.” 

Investing in people is a top priority for DLG and particularly in the Auto Services area where 77 new apprentices have taken up posts in various roles this year.  DLG Auto Services have also recently received Electric Vehicle ("EV") Ready certification from Thatcham Research which means they have at least two qualified EV technicians in each of their repair centres nationwide. The certification is another step forward for DLG who are committed to playing their part in supporting the electrification of vehicles. 

Andy Churm continues, “We are starting to see a rise in the uptake in electric vehicles, and we anticipate this will only increase. We are confident that through our IMI accreditation programmes we can continue to educate our technicians, tackling some of the key EV competencies such as battery technology identification, health and safety standards, working with high voltages and equipment, vehicle design and component requirements and repair.” 

IMI certified training programmes will be available to all DLG employees and also their third-party repairer networks.  

Find out more about careers at Direct Line Group here: https://www.directlinegroupcareers.com/  

 ENDS

For more information please contact:  

Jade Trimbee 

Senior Manager  

Direct Line Group 

Tel: 01372 839 452 

Mobile: 07825 315 931 

 Email: [email protected]