TIP Mechanic Academy proving a success!
In September 2023, the TIP Mechanic Academy was launched, with the intention of enabling the students that were enrolled to become TIP certified ‘Level 3’ trailer mechanics in just nine months! As the first programme comes to an end and we gear up for a new round of applications, it’s time for us to reflect on the journey so far.
The first programme of its kind in the transportation industry
TIP launched the TIP Mechanic Academy (TMA) in five countries to help address the growing shortage of qualified trailer mechanics in the industry. It has been developed in collaboration with Innovam, one of the largest training and certification institutes for the mobility sector and who are renowned for offering high quality international training support to skill and certify employees.
“The TIP Mechanic Academy is an amazing opportunity for young and old alike,” says Eeske Hanrath, Group Talent Development Director. “Instead of the usual three to four year programme for HGV mechanic certification, students can follow an intensive, purpose-built and trailer specific syllabus for nine months and graduate as Level 3 TIP certified trailer mechanic, all whilst getting paid a salary. Examination and certification is carried out by an independent and qualified organisation in order to ensure the highest standards of credibility and objectivity in the assessment process. It is a good way to jump-start your career in this field!”
TIP chose to have the certification endorsed by an independent and reputable organisation, IBKI (the independent Dutch institute for theory and practical exams in the international mobility sector), in order to ensure integrity, impartiality and credibility in the assessment process.
“The programme we have developed for TIP focuses on a blended approach where, in addition to the combination of online and classroom activities, there is also plenty of room to apply what is learned in practice during daily activities in the workplace. This makes it possible to train new candidates in a relatively short period of time, and then as a final step of the programme, give them a chance to certify themselves at level 3”, says Bernd-Jan de Rooij, Manager International Business Development for Innovam.
Intensive training programmes for mastering essential trailer mechanic skills and knowledge
The training programme includes instructor-led and online training, as well as a significant amount of on-the-job training. Each student receives coaching from one of TIP’s experienced mechanic mentors and is part of a small class of between eight and twelve students. Not only do trainees get an upfront offer of a role as a mechanic in a TIP workshop upon successful graduation, but trainees are also paid a competitive salary, in addition to other benefits, by TIP throughout the programme.
The multi-disciplined training programme is made up of 16 modules, covering key aspects of trailer maintenance:
- Brakes
Make the required adjustments to brakes as well as perform the repair, replacement or rebuilding of valves, slack adjusters, safety components, brake relining of various components, air lines, tank and brake chamber. - Suspension
Replace or repair valves, airlines, airbag and shock absorber components as well as performing the necessary height adjustment. - Electrics
Wire or rewire the central lighting box and general lighting, perform camera installation, change bulbs, lenses or switches as well as the installation of reflectors or markerboards. - Superstructure
Perform MIG/MAG as well as ARC welding to replace or repair various parts of the superstructure, including the bulkhead, barndoor, roof-lifting and sliding, as well as perform tilt related repairs. - Chassis
Perform repair and maintenance on many parts of the chassis, including the landing legs, chassis beams, side and crossmembers, lubrication, and sideguards. - Inspections
Perform an A-B-C inspection, inspect tail-lift superstructure as well as TIR. - Axles
Service all axle parts and replace wheel bolts and learn to replace the bearings and its hubs or seals. - Tyre maintenance
heck and adjust tyre pressure, inspect tyre wear and, if necessary, replace tyre on rim, install and repair safety components and TPMS.
“After completing the programme, participants can perform preventive and curative maintenance operations, conduct necessary checks and prepare trailers for technical inspection, plus work on various equipment such as braking, suspension, electrics and tyres. Equipped with these comprehensive skills, graduates will be able to provide the high-quality service and maintenance our customers expect.” says Jan van Vugt, Maintenance & Development Director for TIP.
We are celebrating our successful first graduation!
A few weeks ago, we celebrated the first graduating class of the TIP Mechanic Academy in the UK! Upon completing the 9-month programme, the 10 students are now Level 3 certified TIP trailer mechanics and will have access to further training and advancement within TIP. Read more about the UK TIP Mechanic Academy graduation here.
Newly qualified trailer mechanic, Daniel, said “I absolutely loved every second my time in the Mechanic Academy. It brought a good group of people together”. “Just take the leap and go for it! It’s amazing, you’re not going to do anything better and you’re getting a career at the end of it” added Emma.
The TIP Mechanic Academy in the UK is one of the current five Academies in Europe. The other Mechanic Academies are in Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Germany, the latter commencing in early 2024.
Apply for the TIP Mechanic Academy
Would you like to apply for the TIP Mechanic Academy? Please visit your respective country’s career page for more details and complete the simple online application form. 2024 programmes are expected to start as follows: Denmark and the United Kingdom in September, France and the Netherlands in November and Germany in January 2025.
TIP has been recognised as a certified Great Place to Work, a prestigious accolade resulting from the employee surveys that were conducting across all nine participating countries. This honour reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment. If you're passionate about advancing your career with a company that genuinely values its team, we invite you to join us! Explore current opportunities on our career page at: https://www.tip-group.com/en/careers.
About Innovam
Innovam was established in 1948 and has since then grown into the training and certification institute for the mobility sector in the Netherlands. In the past decade, Innovam has experienced exceptional growth, especially in an international context, and it has helped many internationally operating organisations and companies to develop and implement their training and certification needs. Innovam moves with the market and is a leader with regard to developments in the field of ‘blended’ education and staff training in this sector. Their education, training and certification programmes are innovative, up to date, practically oriented and available to staff on demand.
Their international team of training experts is very conscious of the language and culture differences involved and translates these into the development of customised programmes and training courses. The team speaks the language of local staff and helps you to strengthen your Corporate values and customer experience worldwide by providing practical education and training programmes. In this way, we help you to realise your international ambitions and the further growth of your organisation. More information can be found on www.innovam-international.com
