With the imminent shift towards electric vehicles, a new course for HGV technicians is launching.
- The course will be offered at the City of Bristol College and SMB College Group in Leicestershire.
- It aims to bridge the skills gap for electric and hybrid vehicle technicians, projected to grow by 2035.
- Industry collaboration with Logistics UK supports the course, highlighting its crucial role.
- Technicians must meet specific prerequisites to enrol in this accredited programme.
In response to the growing demand for skilled technicians in the electric and hybrid vehicle sector, a specialised course is being launched at the City of Bristol College and SMB College Group in Leicestershire. This two-day accredited programme aims to provide HGV technicians with the essential knowledge and skills required to work on electric and hybrid lorries, addressing a critical industry need.
This initiative is a collaboration with Logistics UK, reflecting a strategic effort to tackle the anticipated shortfall of 16,000 qualified electric vehicle (EV) technicians by 2035. David Jordan, deputy director of operations at Logistics UK, emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting the potential reinstatement of the 2030 ban on internal combustion engine vehicle sales, thereby highlighting the pressing requirement for skilled EV professionals.
The IMI Level 2/3 award, offered by the colleges, equips technicians with a nationally recognised vocational qualification. It is designed to enable them to safely and effectively perform maintenance and repair tasks on heavy electric and hybrid vehicles, including buses and coaches. According to Paul Dancer, director of curriculum at SMB College Group, it’s crucial for educational curriculums to evolve to support future industry requirements.
Technicians seeking to enrol in this programme must possess a foundational Level 3 knowledge in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair. This prerequisite ensures that participants have the necessary background to maximise the benefits of the course, further enhancing their ability to meet the demands of a transitioning automotive sector.
The new course is a pivotal advancement in training future-ready technicians for the evolving heavy vehicle industry.
