TMD Friction launches Textar Virtual Academy to close the skills gap in the automotive industry

After the successful completion of the ‘Best in Braking’ pre-launch campaign, the digital training platform Textar Virtual Academy has now officially launched. This means automotive professionals and anyone with an interest in vehicle brake maintenance can sign up to get access to high-quality training materials.

Created by TMD Friction, the parent company behind Textar, the Textar Virtual Academy is a new e-learning platform aimed at automotive professionals with the goal to bridge industry skills gap. The dynamic online platform aims to upskill existing professionals in the industry and thereby address the shortage of qualified automotive technicians..

Clement de Valon, EVP IAM at TMD Friction, said: “By offering the most advanced and comprehensive training in braking technology, the Textar Virtual Academy reflects TMD Friction’s commitment to supporting the automotive aftermarket by training the next generation of industry professionals and contributing to a safer future of mobility. As the first player in the automotive industry to offer such a tool, TMD Friction stands out for its unmatched support for garages both today and tomorrow.”

Key features of the Textar Virtual Academy

The Textar Virtual Academy offers 14 hours of virtual training content, including interactive training videos, high-quality animations, tutorials, and FAQs. The training modules are designed to be intuitive and interactive, making learning both engaging and effective. The platform can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and from any internet-capable device. Courses are designed for all skill levels, from experienced mechanics and technical managers to apprentices and students. Participants who successfully complete the training can download a certificate at the end.

A good investment for garages

Garages are often under time pressure and may cut corners or skip best practices in order to get the job done quickly. Yet incorrectly installed parts can result in customer complaints for problems such as noise, vibration and judder. This can result in costly returns. By investing in training and adhering to best practices, garages can minimize the risk of returns, saving both time and money.

In addition, the Textar Virtual Academy keeps even the most experienced technicians up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in braking, including electrification and regenerative braking, and covers both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This ensures that automotive technicians have the skills to meet the industry’s ever-changing demands.

Best in Braking: A 4.8 out of 5-star rating

Under the pre-launch campaign ‘Best in Braking, 270 users had the chance to test the Textar Virtual Academy ahead of its official launch. Feedback from users was overwhelmingly positive, with the training receiving an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

“With our Best in Braking pre-launch campaign, we were able to gather valuable feedback from industry professionals, identify and resolve technical issues before the official launch, and generate anticipation for the Textar Virtual Academy,” says Scott Irwin, Head of Technical Training at TMD Friction. “We’re pleased at the positive results and are confident we are bringing the best possible tool onto the market that will deliver maximum value to automotive industry professionals.”

How to enroll

The Textar Virtual Academy is available in the U.S., Mexico, and parts of Europe, including the UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Romania. Pricing varies by region. The content is available in five languages with plans to expand.

For more information, visit https://tva.textar.com/.

To sign up, contact technicaltraining@tmdfriction.com or your local Textar sales representative.