Jaguar Land Rover Dealership Staff Receive Specialist EV Training for All-Electric Future

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation as car manufacturers shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is one such company leading the charge towards a greener future, with plans to become all-electric by 2030.

In a recent development, JLR has invested in specialist EV training for staff at its dealerships as part of its ‘reimagine strategy’. This initiative aims to equip technicians with the necessary skills to work on electric vehicles, ensuring a smooth transition to EV production. Currently, 95% of JLR’s global retail partner technician workforce are EV trained, with a further 4,200 apprentices undergoing training on how to work with EVs.

One of the technicians who has benefited from this training is Chloe Taylor, a JLR retail master technician at a Sytner retailer in Northampton. Chloe started her career as an apprentice working with combustion technology and has since qualified to dismantle high voltage EV batteries. She highlights the shift in work dynamics from heavy part lifting in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to more technology-driven diagnostics in EVs. Chloe hopes that this transition will encourage more women to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

JLR’s commitment to electrification extends beyond training its workforce. The company’s Learning Academy Programme invests around £20m annually to upskill employees in manufacturing, engineering, and workshops. Additionally, JLR is expanding its skill base by opening 950 electrification roles in engineering for the 2024 financial year.

Barbara Bergmeier, JLR executive director of industrial operations, emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce in achieving the company’s electrification goals. She believes that electrification is creating new and attractive opportunities for women like Chloe, contributing to a more inclusive and skilled workforce.

As JLR works towards electrifying its luxury brands by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2039, the investment in EV training for staff demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By equipping its workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge, JLR is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the automotive industry.