About Us | AA Training Academy

About Us

The highest quality Electric/Hybrid and technical training either at our training suite or at your workshop

About Us

We're experts in automotive training and give you the pick of the best training in the business

Our specialist training experts will find you the right courses to improve your skills and make you even more in demand. We work in partnership with national awarding bodies and training providers to provide flexible delivery methods, discounted training and convenient ways to pay. We also provide training programmes for franchised dealerships and independent garages.

MEET THE TEAM

Whether you are an individual looking to update your skills or an organisation looking to train your entire team, we are here to help. Our training team have each had extensive careers in the automotive industry and bring unique knowledge to support your development.

Ali

Alistair McCrindle|Head of Operations
t. 07512 319 310
alistair.mccrindle@aatrainingacademy.ie

With 28 years of experience in the automotive industry, Ali brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to his role as Head of Operations at Autotech Training.

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With 28 years of experience in the automotive industry, Ali brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to his role as Head of Operations at Autotech Training.

A car enthusiast since he was a child, Ali began his career in the motor industry as an apprentice at age 16. Since then, he has gone on to successfully complete multiple qualifications, including MIMI CAE, CertEd, Level 4 EQA, Lever 4 LIQA, Level 3 Assessor, and achieving multiple motor vehicle diplomas.

Prior to joining Autotech Training in 2023, he had worked in different sectors of the automotive industry, most recently as an EQA for The IMI and Deputy Head of Curriculum.

Experience gained whilst supporting students to achieve their goals and secure employment at leading automotive/motorsport companies means Ali has a keen eye for high-quality education in the automotive industry.

After work, Ali likes days out with his children, coaching rugby and football and attending motorsports – particularly British Touring Cars.

Steve

Steve Kirk|Head of Sales
t. 07958 176 023
stephen.kirk@aatrainingacademy.ie

Steve has an impressive career in the automotive sector that spans over five decades. His fantastic industry knowledge and problem-solving skills mean that you can fully rely on his expertise when choosing the right training solution for your organisation.

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Steve, a Member of the Institute of Motor Industry, has an impressive career in the automotive sector that spans over five decades.

Prior to joining us in 2013, his career path took him from working as a level 3 heavy vehicle technician, service manager, and group service manager overseeing 22 sites, through to dealer principal. Steve currently holds the role of Autotech Training’s Head of Sales.

His fantastic industry knowledge and problem-solving skills mean that you can fully rely on his expertise when choosing the right training solution for your organisation.

In his free time, Steve enjoys supporting his beloved Leicester City FC as well as watching rugby, and spending quality time with family (including 4 grandkids!) plus any other leisure activities he can fit into his schedule.

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Rob Walsh|Head of MOT
t. 07842 315 913
rob.walsh@aatrainingacademy.ie

As one of the newest additions to the Autotech Training team, Rob Walsh MIMI AAE, has hit the ground running since joining us in 2022 as one of our trainers. With two decades in the motor industry, he is an experienced automotive professional.

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As one of the newest additions to the Autotech Training team, Rob Walsh MIMI AAE, has hit the ground running since joining us in 2022 as our Field-Based Technical Trainer. With two decades in the motor industry and a self-described professional high as a finalist for The AA Patrol of the Year 2018 (top 6 out of 2,000), he is an experienced automotive professional.

Having started as an apprentice at Vauxhall before spending nine years with The AA carrying out patrol duties, training/mentoring new starters, and managing patrols, Rob’s experience gives him an uncanny ability to ‘speak the same language’ as our course participants. With qualifications including Level 3 NVQ Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Level 3 IMI MOT Manager, Level 1-4 IMI EV/Hybrid Vehicle, Level 3 IMI Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicle, Level 3 IMI Air Con / F Gas as well as Level 3 City and Guilds Leadership and Management under his belt, Rob is known for being able to easily break down complex topics and explain procedures so that even non-tech minds can understand them.

Rob might not have much free time due to having a young family but, as a Formula 1 nerd, he always makes sure he finds time to feed his passion.

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Victoria Thompson|Administration Executive
victoria.thompson@aatrainingacademy.ie

Victoria has been making strides within the automotive industry since 2021, first at Mercedes-Benz in their finance department and then finding her niche at Autotech Training in 2022 as our Administration and Sales Executive.

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Victoria has been making strides within the automotive industry since 2021, first at Mercedes-Benz in their finance department and then finding her niche at Autotech Training in 2022 as our Administration and Sales Executive.

Her passion for perfection, coupled with her resourcefulness makes Victoria an excellent asset to our team. She is very organised by nature, and finds joy when helping others, but also loves being creative.

When not hard at work or organising our training schedules, Victoria can be seen exploring other passions like dancing or honing her skills as a photographer.

Peter Ivory

Pete Ivory|Automotive Technical Trainer
peter.ivory@autotechtraining.co.uk

Pete is our Technical Trainer and a seasoned automotive professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting out at the Saab main dealer in Oxford in 1993, he worked his way up to becoming a Saab master technician and has since lent his expertise to top brands including Mazda, Skoda, BMW, and Porsche.

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Pete is our Technical Trainer and a seasoned automotive professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting out at the Saab main dealer in Oxford in 1993, he worked his way up to becoming a Saab master technician and has since lent his expertise to top brands including Mazda, Skoda, BMW, and Porsche.

Before joining Autotech Training, Pete worked as a roadside patrol for the AA where he also trained and mentored four apprentices. He holds several qualifications, including NVQ 2&3, a City and Guilds craft certificate, ATA BMW technician certification, IMI level 3 F gas handling, and IMI level 3 HV.

When he's not working, you can find Pete indulging in his love for motorbikes (he owns a Ducati Monster) and classic cars. He's also a trivia aficionado with an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Saab (between 1993 and 2011). With a friendly and professional demeanour, Pete is the go-to expert for anything automotive.

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Glenn Burnham|Automotive Technical Field Trainer
hello@aatrainingacademy.ie

With 25 years of hands-on experience in the automotive world, Glenn has built a career that bridges traditional repair work and cutting-edge vehicle development.

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With 25 years of hands-on experience in the automotive world, Glenn has built a career that bridges traditional repair work and cutting-edge vehicle development. The journey began in local garages in Luton, followed by roles at Ford and Peugeot main dealers in Dunstable and Milton Keynes, where he honed his skills as a mechanic.

After over a decade in repair garages, Glenn transitioned into the world of automotive research and development. At Millbrook Proving Ground, he worked on engines, trucks, and buses, conducting rigorous tests both on track and in controlled environments. This R&D path continued at Nissan’s Technical Centre, where Glenn led a team focused on emissions and EV range testing. From managing rolling road tests to validating production-ready components, playing a key role in shaping the performance data behind modern vehicles.

Outside the workshop, Glenn is an avid mountain biker and a dedicated family person. A recent camper van conversion project has turned into a new way to explore and make memories on the road.