Technicians to benefit from suite of EV and hybrid training

The MIRA Technology Institute has unveiled a new series of short courses, designed for fleets with newly-adopted EVs and vehicle technicians.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has highlighted a significant shortfall in the number of technicians that are currently trained in electric vehicle technology.

This year, the IMI offered to help UK Government understand the EV technician training challenge.

The MIRA Technology Institute is now offering a range of short courses designed to plug this gap and provide accredited training that covers topics including safety, hazard management, maintenance, and system repair and replacement.

MIRA Technology Institute’s operations director Lisa Bingley said: “The automotive industry is facing a revolution that is similar in scale to what followed the invention of the internal combustion engine. In 1934, when modern motoring was in its infancy, there were 2.5M cars in the UK.

"Fast forward 85 years and this now reflects the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on our roads alone.

“The pre-war skills market for repair and maintenance was based on roadside assistance provided by mechanics on bicycles and the blacksmiths shop was the go-to place for repairs.

"The leap we are now making between conventional automotive engineering and electric vehicles is of the same magnitude as that between horsepower and the first cars.”

This affordable suite of courses, which will be run at the MTI’s new training centre near Nuneaton and Hinckley, includes:

IMI Electric and Hybrid Awareness (Level 1)

This one-day course provides an understanding of the principles of full electric and hybrid vehicles, focusing on the construction, operation and identification of the main components and the key safety aspects associated with working with high voltage systems.

IMI Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Hazard Management (Level 2)

Over two days, participants will learn about the maintenance, servicing, and handling of electric vehicles. The course is designed to help the emergency services or roadside recovery operators to understand the hazards of handling accident-damaged or malfunctioning electric and hybrid vehicles.

IMI Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance (Level 2)

This two-day course introduces students to electric and hybrid vehicle technology including the safety requirements involved in carrying out servicing or general repairs that are not related to the high energy electrical system.

IMI Electric and Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement (Level 3)

A three-day programme designed for those who may encounter electric or hybrid vehicles within a routine maintenance situation. It covers the knowledge and skills required to work safely around a vehicle that may have sustained damage to its high energy/electrical system.

Basic Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Advanced Safety Awareness

A half day course aimed at providing delegates with a basic awareness of electrical safety issues especially those associated with hybrid and electric vehicles. It is suitable for anyone working in areas where electric vehicles are being maintained, handled or serviced.

Advanced Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Advanced Safety Awareness

Based on Level 3 IMI standards, this half day course is aimed at engineers and technicians who are maintaining, servicing, modifying or developing the electrical traction systems in electric or hybrid vehicles.

Bingley said: “It is particularly important that everyone working at this level within the automotive industry is cognisant of the safety aspects of handling electric vehicles.

“This is the first in our series of short courses and those who are interested should keep an eye on our website and sign-up for future updates.”