COLLEGE LAUNCHES UK-FIRST SCHEME TO TRAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNICIANS

A new Electrical Vehicle and Green Technologies Training Centre at City of Wolverhampton College (@wolvcoll) has been launched virtually by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.  

 The centre will enable the college to deliver a ‘UK-first’ scheme to train technicians to work on electrical and hybrid vehicles and equip members of the local community with knowledge, skills and qualifications to access new job opportunities within the sector. 

 The innovative new scheme, supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, will see the delivery of four sector-based work academy programmes – from beginner to advanced level – suitable for people new to the automotive retail and repair sector, as well as those currently working in the industry who need to retrain or upskill with the latest hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

 Courses on offer include a Level 1 award in electrical/hybrid vehicle awareness, Level 2 award in electrical/hybrid vehicle hazard management, Level 3 award in electrical/hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement, and a Level 4 award in diagnosis, testing and repair of electric/hybrid vehicles and components. 

Participants will develop a range of specialised technical skills and knowledge, receive relevant Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) accreditation to enable them to work in the sector, and the opportunity to progress to the next level of qualification. 

Michael Dixon, head of faculty for technology at the college, said:

“Currently only around 3% of all vehicle technicians in the UK are trained on electric vehicles and this has an ongoing impact on the ability to maintain and repair them. 

“We are delighted, therefore, to be able to offer these new IMI-accredited training programmes to increase the availability of skilled automotive technicians, develop a skilled workforce and drive technological growth in the region”  

The Electrical Vehicle and Green Technologies Training Centre has been developed in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority and Duplex Business Services and a range of local industry employers have been invited to watch the launch online.  

Photo Credit: SDVH