The Lincoln branch of national garage chain In‘n’Out Autocentres has tackled its staffing challenges by hiring a technician from India through Easy2Recruit, an specialist agency that helps garages source overseas talent.
KK Mydeen joined the Lincoln team in November, becoming the first overseas technician employed within the In‘n’Out network. Mydeen brings extensive experience from franchised dealer outlets in Qatar, which has already proven valuable to the Lincoln facility.
“KK is a great addition to the team here at In‘n’Out Lincoln,” said Ben Schofield, centre principal. “Since he has joined us, we’ve developed a training programme for him, and he’s now busy with servicing, brakes, and steering and suspension work. He’s fitting in well.”
The Lincoln branch is one of over 30 workshops operated by In‘n’Out across England and Wales, with its location designed as a pop-up cube site to offer convenience for customers. The purpose-built facility, featuring two scissor lifts and two MOT bays, is run by a small team.
When Schofield took over management in June, the site was short one mechanic and attempts to recruit locally proved unsuccessful.
“We tried to recruit in the area but had no luck,” Schofield explained. “I’m a member of the Employers Board at Lincoln College, and I’m very aware of how difficult it can be to attract garage staff.”
With In‘n’Out holding a Home Office Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) licence, Schofield turned to Easy2Recruit for assistance.
“The team fully supported us through the process,” said Schofield. “Easy2Recruit identified likely candidates and facilitated interviews. When we chose KK, the COS could be applied to him. Then Easy2Recruit sourced accommodation and brought him all the way to Lincoln. Everything went brilliantly, and now we have a fully staffed workshop.”
Schofield believes that overseas recruitment offers a practical solution for many businesses. “These technicians are available, motivated, and can be brought into the UK relatively easily,” he said.
“We’re delighted to see that KK has settled in so well with In‘n’Out in Lincoln,” said Ambi Singh, founder and CEO of Easy2Recruit. “They’ve welcomed a highly skilled operative who will help maintain and grow the profitability of the branch. With the skills crisis continuing, more workshops are open to hiring overseas staff.”
