Autotech Recruit announce investment plans to increase EV training

Autotech Recruit is announcing the launch of a new electric vehicle (EV) training initiative, Autotech Training, to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

By the end of 2021, every contractor working full time within Autotech Recruit’s network of temporary vehicle technicians and MOT testers will be trained to a minimum Level 2 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle, Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) standard, the company said.

Recently, the company highlighted the automotive sector's aftersales skills shortgage, by celebrating the growth of its Manufacturer Led Programme (MLP) for temporary staffing. 

Autotech Recruit said it is also increasing its investment within EV training, by creating an EV Training Suite, complete with an electric car to deliver hands-on training at its Milton Keynes headquarters.

The EV Training Suite will deliver EV courses from basic awareness for companies electrifying their fleet, to vehicle technicians looking for Level 2 and 3 IMI accredited training.

Autotech Recruit currently have an on-site EV training-programme, that can be delivered on the premises of any garage or business.

Gavin White, CEO of Autotech Group, said: “Demand for electric vehicles has doubled in the last year and manufacturers are increasing their investment in the build of these cars. But the percentage of vehicle technicians sufficiently trained to safely service electric vehicles is nowhere near where it should be.

“We are aware of the pressure the entire aftermarket is under to deal with repairs and maintenance of the batteries and high-voltage electrical components within these vehicles, and this is set to be intensified unless training measures are put in place.”

AM featured AutoTech Recruit in a 10 minutes with... Gavin White, managing director at Autotech Recruit earlier this year. 

Autotech Recruit said it is currently investing in its network of over 450 temporary vehicle technicians and MOT testers with free EV training for all full-time contractors and subsidised training for part-time contractors.

White said: “We have already seen an uplift in the number of enquiries for temporary vehicle technicians trained to service electric vehicles.

“This is a big commitment from us in terms of investment, but we are dedicated to safeguarding our contractors and creating a strong, fully skilled network to support the entire industry.”

Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), said: “Currently around just 5% of UK automotive technicians are adequately trained to work on electric vehicles.

“That means the ramp-up plan for all those who are likely to work on electrical vehicles – from service and repair technicians to those working in the roadside recovery and blue light sectors – needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“It’s, therefore, encouraging, to see the investment being made by Autotech Recruit to tackle this challenge.”

The IMI TechSafe standards, endorsed by OLEV at the end of 2019, mean that EV users can access the IMI Professional Register to check the EV technical competencies of technicians at their local garage.