Toyota Talent Program Marks First Year with Success Stories from Interns

A year after this launch, Toyota is eager to expand the number of newly qualified vehicle technicians joining its network, while sharing the success of interns who have now transitioned to permanent employees.  

While leveraging Autotech Academy’s proven internship model, which has seen over 350 interns successfully placed across the UK aftermarket since its launch in 2021, the Toyota Talent programme was tailored to meet the motor company’s specific needs.  

As with the Autotech Academy concept, newly qualified Level 3 automotive students are interviewed and equipped with a toolbox and uniform before being placed with an automotive employer through a paid internship. Interns entering the Toyota Talent programme also embark upon an extensive induction process, an online assessment, and additional training during the six-month internship to help them achieve their Toyota license. 

While part of Toyota's commitment to attracting and retaining talent in an industry where the pool of skilled technicians is shrinking, this innovative approach is enabling Toyota to grow its own talent.  

Interns who have benefited from the program have now shared their experiences, highlighting the valuable training, mentorship, and career opportunities provided, and their testimonials underscore the importance of such initiatives in bridging the talent gap within the automotive industry. 
 

Mohammed Zain Safeer, the first intern to complete a six-month internship and secure a permanent role at Steven Eagell, Solihull, shared his experience: "I found the internship great as I had an opportunity to work with a big brand and dealership, and it allowed me to put the skills I learned at college into real-life experiences. Throughout the entire process, I had good support from both Autotech Academy and Toyota, and the best thing about the experience was that I had a job at the end. My advice to others would be that you just need to put the work in and show you can do it, ask for help from others, and learn from the mistakes you make." 

Tyler Watts, who secured a permanent role with FRF Toyota Cardiff, commented: "The internship with Toyota was great. They had a lot to offer, which included showing me methods to complete jobs quickly and efficiently. The Autotech Academy consultants were only a phone call away, and the Toyota techs would always provide the support I needed, no matter how big or small the job was. For me, the best thing about the internship was to be able to enter the automotive industry as this is something I see myself doing for many years to come. The toolbox also came in handy as it enabled me to get myself set up." 

 Louise Rogers shared her thoughts on overcoming initial challenges: "Coming into a workshop straight from college was daunting, especially as the garage workforce was male, but they brought me in like another member of the family, and my nerves didn’t last long. The Autotech Academy has been extremely supportive – helping me out when needed and providing monthly check-ins. However, I knew if I had a problem, I could let them know, and they would help in the best way they could.  

My advice to any new intern is to not be scared to open up and talk about how you feel about the workplace; everyone is there to help and they will try their best to make you feel as comfortable as they can. I had ups and downs as a new intern, but speaking to the team around me helped me and pushed me on. This has been the best internship with the best group, and anyone new joining will have a positive experience. If it doesn’t work out at the end of the internship, at least they will have gained the experience needed to move onto another automotive role." 

Remaining committed to nurturing and developing the next generation of automotive technicians, Toyota will increase the number of newly qualified vehicle technicians joining its network through the program as automotive students leave college over the summer months. To support this, Autotech Academy’s dedicated Toyota Talent Manager, Terrell Lloyd-Conlon, will continue to work as a conduit between the network and FE Colleges.  

For more information visit www.autotechacademy.co.uk