Remit plugs skills gap in EV Training

Demand for battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid cars has never been higher. Sales figures from the SMMT show that new electric vehicle is the most significant growth market in the UK.

Supported by some 130 plug-in models now available, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) represented nearly 19% of the market last month- more than double its size compared with November 2020 – while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) share grew to 9.3% and with the Government set to ban all new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 this trend is set to continue.

However, despite this growing market, the number of EV-qualified technicians required to service and repair these vehicles remains worryingly low.

Analysis by the (IMI) revealed that by the end of 2020, only 6.5% of the automotive sector was EV ready. A further 90,000 automotive technicians will be required to provide a sufficient workforce to service the volume of zero-emissions vehicles predicted to be on UK roads by 2030.

At the current run rate, the IMI predicts the industry will have a shortfall of 35,700 technicians by 2030, with 2026 marking the point at which the skills gap will bite.

But given the pace of EV adoption- by manufacturers and consumers – even these numbers could be a gross underestimate. As EV technology accelerates, the current skills chasm is set to widen. The industry has a massive challenge to ensure it supports a workforce that is adequately qualified to work safely to provide even the most basic servicing, maintenance, and repair to these vehicles.

As Steve Nash from the IMI concluded, the gap in skills not only presents a safety threat for those who are working on high voltage vehicle systems without appropriate training and qualifications; it also means the premium on skills could add to costs for the consumer creating another, unnecessary deterrent to the switch to EV.

Remit’s Response

As many of you will know, I was recently a gamekeeper-turned-poacher as I left my role with Scania (Great Britain) Limited for a new challenge at Remit Training as Client Solutions Manager.

Part of my new role is to oversee the creation and development of EV training, resources, content and -hopefully soon – dedicated facilities to spearhead Remit’s commitment to upskilling the sector and closing this gap.

As vehicles change and incorporate more technologies, it will become necessary to ensure the skills of those undertaking service, repair, and maintenance, guaranteeing the safe and effective operation of those technologies and vehicles and the technicians working on them. The high voltage systems that electric and hybrid electric vehicles operate at are, of course, potentially lethal.

From introductory awareness courses to technical diagnostic, testing and repair qualifications, Remit has a range of solutions ready to go for the New Year. All our systems are IMI accredited and delivered by my newly recruited team of in-house technical experts. They will also enable technicians to become registered on the IMI’s TechSafe register. TechSafe is the IMI’s campaign to develop professional standards for electrified vehicles, ensuring we’re all prepared for the future of electrification.

Our industry-standard courses are available from January or talk to me about manufacturer-specific and custom programmes tailored to your business.

Our current course offering

• Level 1 Award in electric/hybrid vehicle awareness??
• Level 2.1 Award in electric/hybrid vehicle hazard management for emergency and recovery personnel
• Level 2.2 Award in electric/mixed vehicle routine maintenance activities
• Level 3 Award in electric/hybrid vehicle repair and replacement?
• Level 4 Award in diagnosing, testing, and repairing electric/hybrid vehicles and components.

Our courses are delivered in a blend of online content and face-to-face practical sessions over one or two days.

For more information drop me a DM.