electrical technician

technician

facilities technician

customer service representative

control panel technician

Solus-Accident-Repair-Centres

Having worked for an "independent" for 35 years and after recent global events I decided a move was in order. I didn't want to simply move to another IMT setup so when an opportunity came up at Solus Bolton I applied. Application was simple and straight forward, interviews seamless and friendly but professional. I came away from the interview process knowing exactly what was expected and what I could expect in return. I was offered the job via a personal telephone call from the production lead and the formal offer came through in a short time, details were exactly as discussed. Daily hours are a little long and holiday allowance is a little less than I'm used to but this is being addressed (company wide) as I type and I'm very confident in the process being followed through. 
Having now been in position for 3 months I'm confident my "risky" move was a good one. Great communication from both branch and head office with clear directives re-enforced by weekly meetings which gives a real feeling of being included. The company invest fully in STAFF, training, equipment and infrastructure generally and the company ethos of putting the customer first, getting them "back to normal" and all working together gives a real feeling that there is a common goal. Co-operation from all staff is top notch, everyone pulls together with zero "them and us" apparent, it really is a breath of fresh air. The work is challenging at times and systems have to be followed but there's never a feeling of being on your own, everyone is keen to help wherever possible and that, I feel, is down to the management at both national and branch level. When problems arise they just get sorted as a team without any blame culture ever coming to the fore, this is how it should be done!!

A typical day at Solus consisted of being dragged down to work at a level of skill and speed that newly appointed apprentices would work at. An hour felt like a day, a month felt like an eternity! 

What i learned from my time at Solus Nottingham was that no matter your skill,  experience or time in the trade mattered. You were basically an unskilled worker making up numbers. Workmanship, professionalism, rectifications, attitude, time keeping, bullying, didn’t mean for anything, although thats what the company with unlimited managers pretended to stand up to.

As for management. I’ve never seen a company with so many managers that know absolutely nothing about the trade that they are trying to manage. Incompetent is probably the best word to describe it. Higher management are even worse as they are expected to adhere to rules set by an insurance company (Aviva). Corporate mentality pushed onto a manual workforce. Mechanics don’t wear suits!

The workplace culture was the most toxic place I have been in my career. Small factions of friends between each department that weren’t managed properly meant constant fall outs and arguments rather than everyone working together to get the cars repaired. 

For me the hardest part of the job was not knowing who was actually your friend, or who you could rely on. Repairing cars was not important in this environment, it was more about keeping the knife from being stabbed in your back!

The most enjoyable part of the job was working with a few select techs that were good at their job, the best part of the job was handing in my resignation.


This establishment unfortunately falls far below expectations, primarily due to its poor handling of workplace dynamics and a culture that seems to prioritize connections over competence. Concerns around bullying appear to be overlooked, especially when the individuals involved have ties to the senior leadership team. This creates an unwelcoming environment for those not within the inner circle, fostering a culture where questioning or raising legitimate concerns can lead to unjust consequences, including termination or being pressured to resign. Prospective employees might be enticed with promises of an inclusive and progressive workplace, yet the reality is a stark contrast, characterized by a lack of effective planning and leadership. The management team's inability to properly oversee projects, particularly in the planning and execution of new sites, is attributed to key roles being filled by individuals seemingly based on relationships rather than relevant qualifications. This critical flaw not only hampers operational efficiency but also contributes to a demoralising workplace atmosphere for those committed to professional growth and organisational success. 

I've been with Solus for five years, working in HR, and it's been an incredible journey of growth and development. During this time, I've had the privilege of building a talented team that prioritises the candidate experience, ensuring our processes are inclusive, supportive, and impactful.

The management here is forward-thinking and values-driven, always striving for fairness and supporting growth. The culture reflects this, fostering a sense of community and inclusion that makes Solus a great place to work.

The most challenging part of the role is balancing priorities in a fast-paced environment, but it's also what keeps it exciting. The most rewarding part is seeing the difference we make—whether it's helping apprentices succeed, creating opportunities for mobility, or simply seeing our candidates and colleagues thrive.

Solus is a company where people truly matter, and I'm proud to be part of it.

A typical day at work began at 6am. The first task of the day was to check which car parts were required to repair damaged vehicle's. I would have to regularly check the CCTV to ensure the site was a safe environment. Throughout the day, I would make tea and coffee for the mechanics, as well as the office staff. On a couple of occasions, I assisted the mechanics in removing various car parts, including bumpers and lights. I also helped valet the cars, ready for customers, once the vehicles had been repaired. Throughout my work experience, I learnt a range of different skills, such as, interacting with customers and being part of a team. The manager was very supportive, encouraging me in all tasks. The culture there was very much working as a team to get the job successfully completed. The hardest part of the job was a 6am start. The most enjoyable part of the job was learning to dismantle parts from the cars.

Recently I have just returned to work after being Furloughed by Solus and I just wanted to thank them for everything they have done during this pandemic. 
Initially I worked from home to ensure that my elderly parents were safe, over time when the schools shut this flexibility was equally as important for looking after my son. They gave me time and flexibility to help home-school him.  As things progressed for the worse in the world I was Furloughed.   Anyone who this has happened to I’m sure will tell you it can be a worrying time.  Solus ensured that I had regular communications regarding the business decision making and at no point was I kept in the dark. Thankfully Solus topped up mine and everyone else’s salary to 100% to make sure we were al provided for during this time.  I can’t say how grateful I am to work for such a kind and caring company.  Thank you Solus and I am so glad to be back

What is the best part of working at the company?
It was located close to town but is now based in Daresbury so no longer convenient to commute to

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Aggressive staff,management aren't supportive, customers have already bren mistreated when they come to you

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Generally OK but depends what team you're put in. There were personal hygiene problems as well as basic immaturity and a culture of spite where I worked but not all of the company is like that. It's pot luck

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Demanding.  Some people won't take any calls and so it's put on all of the ones that will.  The advice isn't clear and the training isn't relevant to the role

Doing a four month stint here, within the first two weeks the entire department was culled down to two heads and then down to just me once the other guy had finished his four week notice.

No attempt was made to lighten the workload for myself, resulting in frequent long hours to try and keep the 'shop running which of course went unpaid. Breaks were also missed to try and keep on top of workload, not by choice. Management don't really care about individual wellbeing here, much like any other organisation. Just a cog in the box as it were.

Some help came and went, but the department was very much being run entirely by myself, a new hire with next to no experience and very little training.

Put simply, find somewhere else.

As soon as you need support like flexible hours to support your family problems start,The covid19 pandemic has highlighted Solus's true priorities which is definitely not the wellbeing of its employees,
Temperature checks hours after people come on site,
 failure to report multiple cases to the local covid19 health team,
Closing depot's in low inflation areas while keeping Erith open which is at the centre of the worst infected area ,
Bring in staff from other areas and failing to deep clear as promised, 
But if you try highlight the issues you get bullied by management and sacked .


From day 1 of being contacted by Solus regarding my job application, every member was extremely nice and very professional.

Very smooth process up to a relaxing interview environment, all in all best experience i have ever had when applying for previous jobs.

Solus had been outstanding and very supportive to all the staff for the new Bolton site at these unprecedented times with Covid-19, which caused a delay in the site opening date.

Solus decided to team us up with Warrington until Bolton could open, this  was a real eye opener into how happy staff were within the company and showed how important teamwork moral is, everyone in Warrington professional and courteous.

Great company come join us!

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Electrical technician 48 salaries reported	£49,504 per year
Technician 37 salaries reported	£49,091 per year
Facilities technician 53 salaries reported	£41,962 per year
Customer service representative 22 salaries reported	£28,240 per year
Control panel technician 14 salaries reported	£50,270 per year

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