GB MET wins funding bid for Electric Vehicle Project

In response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies, a consortium of Sussex colleges, through FE Sussex, won a successful bid to secure a £6 million Government Skills Accelerator Development Grant to fund five different schemes for a greener future. 

Greater Brighton Metropolitan College is leading the Electric Vehicle Project to establish five electric and hybrid vehicle training centres at Shoreham, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne and Hastings, with partner colleges Chichester College Group and East Sussex College Group. In addition, a Land Based Electric Vehicle Centre will be established at Plumpton College.

The grant for this workstream, totalling £1.1million, will purchase rigs to simulate electric and hybrid cars, along with electric and hybrid vehicles and any necessary workshop adjustments, charging points, tools, books/ebooks and ancillary equipment. At Plumpton College this will include an electric tractor, a Gator utility vehicle and mower.

As part of the package, GB MET staff will have the opportunity to upskill in this new field of expertise, with training including the IMI Level 2 and Level 3 Awards.

In addition, the College will be holding a careers masterclass event to include electric vehicles, in conjunction with local schools, and will train at least 20 of our current students.

As electric powered vehicles replace traditional combustion powered vehicles, the project – which is scheduled to complete at the end of March 2022 – will enable our automotive learners to learn the latest curriculum, using cutting edge equipment and technology.