To address the anticipated shortfall of 16,000 electric vehicle (EV) trained technicians by 2032, service provider Veolia and Autotech Training have implemented the first Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) approved qualifications for the company’s workshop teams.
Recognised by the IMI, electric vehicle manufacturer Dennis Eagle and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the new qualification is intended to enable technicians to work safely on all aspects of high voltage systems associated with EVs.
Transitioning to new technologies and operating practices that cut CO2 and other emissions is a key part of decarbonisation of vehicle fleets, but the growing shortage of qualified vehicle technicians able to work on the latest electric vehicles means training needs to be accelerated to meet operational needs. With vehicle maintenance essential to support the company’s existing operations that already use over 200 EVs, completion of the training courses will provide upskilling of technicians and enable them to work safely on live high voltage vehicle electrical components.
The course has been tailored exclusively by Autotech Training, with Dennis Eagle, and incorporates three stages including IMI Levels 2 and 3 Heavy Vehicle Electric/Hybrid training, and Dennis Eagle’s own eCollect training course. Technicians will gain the knowledge and skills required to work on heavy electric and hybrid vehicles and will be fully qualified to carry out operational and repair activities including replacing parts. This can include vehicles that may have damage to their high energy systems and ensures every technician is safeguarded against the dangers of working with EVs.
Fleet director Gary Clark said: “As we look to achieve a net zero fleet by 2040, we know that maintenance is vital, and to keep our electric vehicle fleet operational we need to have fully staffed workshops that can keep vehicles on the road to make full use of them.” Autotech Training head of operations Alistair McCrindle said: “We are delighted to be working with Veolia and Dennis Eagle to upskill their network of vehicle technicians with electric/hybrid training. Having the knowledge to service and repair vehicles with high voltage systems is vital, not only from a technical view but from a safety perspective and Veolia are putting the safety of their technicians first.”
