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On Saturday 26 September, Autotechnician’s Workshop Takeover returns to Cleevely Motors in Cheltenham, bringing technicians and workshop owners together for a full day of practical, live fault-finding.
Designed around the just-in-time learning, the event puts delegates at the heart of genuine diagnostic challenges. Matt Cleevely, Gareth Davies and Alistair Finch will lead sessions using live vehicle faults, encouraging attendees to work collaboratively rather than simply watch a presentation.
Delegates will assess likely causes, identify the next logical tests and interpret live data in real time, developing a structured approach to diagnosis.
The event is deliberately not a product- led seminar or sales presentation. Instead, the focus is on process, systems and critical thinking — the foundations of effective diagnostics in any workshop. Attendees will see how experienced diagnosticians approach faults under pressure, manage uncertainty and maintain discipline throughout the diagnostic process.
VAG specialist Gareth Davies of Euro Performance is returning to the event. He says:
“I’m delighted to be back again this year at the AT Workshop Takeover event. We’ll be looking at more vehicle faults, are they complex, are they not? And as a group looking at approach, researching the problem, and then planning steps to test and record outcomes and how real- world decisions either make or break a diagnosis. We’ll have the opportunity as a group to apply test methods, non-biased thought techniques and hopefully, fix a car!”
Alistair Finch will focus on Euro 7 fault-driven diagnostics, adding a topical element to the programme as increasingly sophisticated emissions technology creates new diagnostic challenges.
The event is suitable for experienced diagnosticians looking for a fresh challenge, as well as developing technicians seeking to strengthen their fault-finding habits across combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. Previous delegates have praised the practical and collaborative format. Adrian Smith of The Garage Warmington described it as “another amazing day learning – never too old to learn. Worth every penny.” Jon Stringer of Royton Car Repair highlighted the value of the hands-on group sessions, particularly working through testing strategies, data interpretation and logical diagnostic planning.
With sponsor support, subsidised Saturday tickets are available for £119 plus VAT, including refreshments, lunch and parking. Delegates can also join the trainers and fellow attendees for an informal dinner the evening before.
Technicians and workshop owners can register for the free online assessments via Autotechnician Registration and reserve places for Autotech Live here.
Brand new test – can you diagnose this Kia Niro fault?
Our technician contributor Neil Currie has created a new test on a real- world scenario in his workshop. A Kia Niro is presented with a complaint of the parking sensors not working. The vehicle is also displaying a warning on the dash, as shown below. The vehicle is equipped with 8 sensors, 4 on the front bumper and 4 on the rear. You are the technician given the vehicle to diagnose the customer complaint. Visit www.autotechnician.co.uk/registration to log in or register and take the free online assessment.
