The courses, accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), offer the IMI Level 2/3 Award in Preparing Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Repair. This two-day program provides technicians with a nationally recognised qualification, giving them the knowledge and skills needed to safely repair and maintain heavy electric and hybrid vehicles, including buses and coaches.
The shortage of qualified electric vehicle (EV) technicians is becoming increasingly urgent. According to the IMI, the UK will face a shortfall of 16,000 EV-qualified technicians by 2035. This shortage is exacerbated by the expected reintroduction of the 2030 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making the need for skilled EV technicians more critical than ever.
“The new government is expected to reinstate 2030 as the year when sales of new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles will be banned, so the need for skilled EV technicians has become even more pressing. Both City of Bristol College and SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus in Coalville are excellent modern facilities that provide the ideal environment and technical equipment to help develop the workforce of tomorrow,” said David Jordan, Deputy Director of Operations at Logistics UK.
Technicians interested in enrolling in the IMI Level 2/3 Award in Preparing Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Repair must already possess relevant knowledge and skills in heavy vehicle maintenance at Level 3 or equivalent. The course dates have been scheduled to accommodate working professionals, with sessions available from August to December at both City of Bristol College and SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus.