There are now more than 58,800 people qualified to work on electric vehicles in the UK, that’s 24 per cent of technicians. While the IMI still predicts a shortfall of 3,000 technicians by 2031 and 16,000 by 2035, it is encouraging to see more workshops investing in EV training. However, I fear there is a bigger problem that’s not being talked about.
This year, we have been running ‘At Ease With EV’ training sessions at Cleevely EV for technicians with IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 hybrid and EV qualifications. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive but the experience of hosting this course has confirmed a long-held concern of mine: the current industry qualifications for EVs are not adequately preparing technicians for real-world EV work. During our training sessions, it’s become alarmingly clear that many ‘qualified’ technicians struggle with what I consider basic test and diagnostic procedures. These are fundamental skills that ought to be second nature to any technician certified at IMI Level 3 or 4.
The conversations and questions raised during the ‘At Ease With EV’ sessions, underscore a glaring deficiency in the current qualification framework. It’s evident that these certifications are failing to equip technicians with the necessary practical skills and knowledge. As far as I can tell, the accredited EV courses currently available to us are being designed as a means for technicians to pass an exam, rather than a comprehensive training program that develops the essential skills required for EV fault finding and repairs. Health and safety is undeniably crucial, particularly when it comes to high voltage systems, but the current approach to EV training seems to prioritise health and safety to the detriment of practical skill development. Safety shouldn’t overshadow the need to upskill and prepare technicians for the realities of working on EVs. Workshops require technicians that can confidently and accurately diagnose and repair EVs, not just tick boxes on a checklist to pass an exam.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve and EV adoption accelerates, the inadequacies of the current training programs will become increasingly problematic for garage owners trying to make the most of this fast-growing new market. Our future depends on a workforce that is not only knowledgeable but also highly skilled in the practical aspects of EV maintenance and repair. Is it too much to ask for a curriculum that properly prepares technicians for the EV jobs they’ll be facing in their day-to-day work?
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