Fourteen new technicians have completed the latest round of training at the TIP Mechanic Academy, marking the end of the Academy’s second year and a 100% graduation rate for its 2025 cohort.
This brings the total number of graduates since the TIP Mechanic Academy launched in 2023 to 24. Each new graduate now returns to their local TIP branch, where they’ll apply their training to support the company’s trailer maintenance and repair network across the UK.
Demand for the scheme continues to grow, with the September intake already close to full and the number of participants rising to 16 for the next academic year.
Industry-Ready in Nine Months
The TIP Mechanic Academy was set up to fast-track training specifically for trailer-focused mechanics. Delivered in just nine months, the course offers a shorter route into the industry compared to traditional HGV technician schemes.
The programme is run in partnership with Dutch training provider Innovam and is formally accredited by Jost, BPW, and the Society of Engineers (SOE) for continuing professional development.
Stephen McCarthy, TIP UK Mechanic Academy Manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how far this group of graduates has come. Many joined with limited hands-on experience, but they’ve gone from strength to strength.”
Mentorship Matters
Key to the programme is the structured mentoring offered to all students. TIP’s mentors help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workshop.
Paul Turton, Workshop Manager at TIP and mentor to one of the graduates, Ellis, said: “The mentor’s role is vital. We’re the link between what they learn in the Academy and what they experience in the workshop.”
The scheme is being refined with input from mentors and students to better prepare future cohorts. Feedback from the recent group shows the system is working.
Ellis, now working toward his IRTEC qualification, said: “I’d never done anything like this before. At the beginning, I thought I was out of my depth, but by the end, I knew I could do it.”
Fellow graduate Kerr added: “Coming to the Academy each month was great, especially catching up with the others and discussing the practical assignments.”
Charlie, another student, said: “The Academy has been well organised and the support from instructors and my branch mentor has been really important in helping me graduate.”
With more graduates set to join the programme in September and interest rising, the TIP Mechanic Academy continues to evolve its model for trailer-specific technician training.
More information:
TIP Group – www.tip-group.com
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