Logistics UK Partners with Colleges to Address Skills Shortage in Electric Vehicle Technicians
The future of transportation is electric, and with the UK government’s pledge to phase out new cars with internal combustion engines by 2030, the need for skilled electric vehicle technicians has never been more urgent. Logistics UK, in partnership with the City of Bristol College and SMB College Group, is taking proactive steps to address the skills shortage in this crucial industry.
The newly announced IMI Level 2/3 Award in Preparing Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Repair is a nationally recognized qualification designed to equip technicians with the knowledge and skills to work safely on electric and hybrid heavy goods vehicles. This two-day course, accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry, will help technicians stay ahead of the curve as the country transitions to alternatively powered vehicles.
According to IMI, there will be a predicted shortfall of 16,000 EV-qualified technicians by 2035. The Logistics UK Electric Vehicle Training Programme aims to bridge this gap and futureproof the workforce in the face of the growing demand for electric vehicle technicians.
David Jordan, deputy director of operations at Logistics UK, emphasized the importance of this partnership with the City of Bristol College and SMB College Group in providing the ideal environment and technical equipment for developing the workforce of tomorrow. Paul Dancer, director of curriculum at SMB College Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for education providers to support the industry in upskilling their current workforce.
Technicians interested in taking the course must possess appropriate heavy vehicle maintenance and repair knowledge and skills at Level 3 or equivalent. The course will provide technicians with a nationally recognized award and the practical skills required to work on heavy electric and hybrid vehicles, including buses and coaches.
Luke Reid, head of the motor vehicle and DAF apprenticeships department at City of Bristol College, expressed pride in supporting Logistics UK in delivering the Electric Vehicle courses at the college. He emphasized the importance of training the current and future workforce to meet the skills requirement for electric vehicle sales and the potential reintroduction of the 2030 ban on the sale of traditional combustion engine vehicles.
In conclusion, the partnership between Logistics UK, the City of Bristol College, and SMB College Group is a crucial step towards addressing the skills shortage in electric vehicle technicians. By providing technicians with the necessary knowledge and skills, this initiative will help meet the growing demand for EV-qualified professionals and support the transition to electric vehicles in the UK.