All 14 students from the second cohort of the TIP Mechanic Academy have successfully graduated – with each now progressing into the next phase of their careers, including working toward further qualifications, such as the Institute of Road Transport Engineers Certificate (IRTEC).
With 10 having graduated the previous year, this brings the total number of TIP Mechanic Academy graduates to 24.
Following the recent graduation ceremony, students returned to their respective TIP branches, where they’ll now support the company’s extensive workshop network in delivering high-quality trailer maintenance and repair services to its customers.
The next term begins this September, with the number of graduates increasing to 16 and all spaces set to be filled, underlining the demand for the programme and its growing reputation in the industry.
Launched in the autumn of 2023, the Academy was created to fast-track trailer-dedicated mechanic training, delivering industry-standard certification in just nine months – significantly faster than traditional HGV programmes.
It is delivered in partnership with Dutch training provider Innovam, ensuring students are trained to international standards in both content and delivery. Over the development of the programme, the Academy has gained formal accreditations from Jost, BPW and the Society of Engineers (SOE) CPD, cementing the credibility of the course.
But beyond the technical skills, the TIP Mechanic Academy is defined by the journey its students go on – often coming from vastly different backgrounds, but united in their determination to gain a foothold in the commercial vehicle industry.
Stephen McCarthy, TIP UK Mechanic Academy Manager, explained: “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. Watching them develop the skills and confidence to take the next step in their careers has been hugely rewarding.”
The Academy’s one-to-one mentoring is pivotal for bridging the gap between training and the realities of life in the workshop. Taking learnings from the first two years, there will be more focus on how the mentors can further support students’ development ahead of the third year of the Academy.
Paul Turton, Workshop Manager at TIP and mentor to recent graduate 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. It’s a team effort and the whole branch gets involved. And now, all mentors are trained and supported with a proper handbook. We’re there for the long haul, not just the course.”
For many, the Academy is just the beginning. Ellis, one of the brand-new graduates, said: “Next up is my IRTEC qualification. I want to keep climbing as far as I can. I’d never done anything like this before, but I felt completely at home. Looking back, I’m proud just to have passed. At the beginning, I really thought I was out of my depth, but by the end, I knew I could do it.”
Other students echoed that sense of pride and ambition. Kerr said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the TIP Mechanic Academy. Coming here each month was great, especially to catch up with the other trainees and discuss the practical assignments we had completed back at the workshop. The support from the whole team has been fantastic.”
Charlie added: “The Academy has been well organised from the start and the support from the instructors, and my mentor back at my branch, has been really important to me in graduating. Now I’m looking forward to furthering my career at TIP.”
With a 100% graduation rate, newly secured accreditations and an almost fully booked upcoming intake, the TIP Mechanic Academy continues to redefine how the industry trains and supports its next generation of mechanics.
