LKQ, the UK and Ireland’s only complete service provider for bodyshops, has released 500 bodyshop course seats as part of its exclusive industry training programmes in 2025. Additional seats will also be made available later this year to meet industry demand as businesses upskill their technicians. 

The business recently launched its market-leading intelligent repair proposition (IRP) to help bodyshops open new revenue streams and to offer alternative repair solutions to customers. This included a solution focused prospectus and piloting IRP training through the LKQ Academy, the UK’s largest automotive training provider.

Due to its success, more dates for intelligent repair training have been scheduled in 2025, to support bodyshops seeking alternative repair and revenue opportunities. Courses cover everything from dents and scuffs, glass chips and cracks, to interior fabrics, plastic damage and alloys. Up to 70% of all cars on the road having some kind of cosmetic damage, with LKQ identifying a growing trend from drivers opting for out-of-pocket repairs rather than making an insurance claim.

LKQ also expects to see increasing demand for its first-of-its-kind ‘Introduction to Sustainability in the Bodyshop’, the business’ most in-demand course for 2024. The course provides tailored sustainability plans for individual operations and key accounts and has been proven to help bodyshops to save up to 95% on carbon emissions and costs, across products, processes and equipment – freeing up capital for training investment. LKQ has delivered more than 30 sustainability courses to group and independent site customers to date.

Earlier this year, LKQ launched its first bodyshop-dedicated proposition to support apprentices and industry newcomers, as well as skilled technicians looking to enhance existing skills. Seats are now available to book for courses such as Panel Preparation and Advanced Refinish Application, Polishing Oven and Rectification Processes, and Special Effect Colours.

Customer favourites, becoming an EV Bodyshop, Tech for Non-Tech: Hybrid/EV’s Explained and its one-day Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) programmes are also returning in 2025 – designed to help bodyshops take advantage of the increasing number of EV and hybrid vehicles entering the used car market. They’ll join the 12 new bodyshop-specific courses that launched in 2024, which cater to all abilities. The business is also launching several new courses this year to support the markets’ accreditation needs and will be offering its training across even more locations. 

In 2024, LKQ Academy also launched a new Hydrogen Vehicle Awareness Certification to provide learners with an essential understanding of safe practice, potential dangers and necessary precautions when servicing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. LKQ expects to see increasing demand with 1.5million hydrogen vehicles expected on the road by 2025. 

Jodie Mullard, Channel and Technical Director at LKQ Bodyshop added: “We’re committed to being the partner of choice for bodyshops, supporting our customers to navigate the fast-paced automotive industry. Recent industry reports reveal that a shortage of skilled labour is still the biggest threat to bodyshops* and in response, we’re increasing the number of seats and training dates for our popular courses in 2025. Helping customers to kick off the new year in the right way by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to leverage their brilliance and difference. We’re also looking at how we can further support apprentices in 2025 and beyond, with some exciting partnerships in the works.

“With the increasing number of EV and hybrid vehicles entering the market, and the expected rise of hydrogen vehicles, our specialised courses are designed to address the industry skills gap and prepare our customers to help meet the 90,000 hybrid/EV technicians needed by 2030. Our ADAS courses will also be essential with bodyshops reporting 47% of alignments being carried out in-house*. While our increasingly popular sustainability course and intelligent repair proposition will be key in helping customers open new revenue streams and free up costs to invest back into their business.

“Our commitment to increasing training opportunities and supporting our bodyshop customers' unique needs ensures that they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s marketplace and achieve success in the new year.”

LKQ Academy has delivered more than 8,700 training courses to date, with 13,549 spaces available across 1,676 courses in 2025 – with more to be added. Find out more about how you can boost your bodyshop in 2025 through the LKQ Academy, here.