LKQ to upskill 1,000 more technicians for EVs and hybrids by end of 2023

LKQ Academy has pledged to train another 1,000 technicians from independent garages in the servicing of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2023.

The training arm of the supplier group LKQ, which owns motor factor Euro Car Parts, has already trained more than 2,000 technicians in hybrid and electric car maintenance and repair.

Independent repairers are gearing up for a growing number of plug-in cars in the UK.

Bob Wiffen, workshop solutions director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “Although many of the newest vehicles will be maintained by their dealership to start with, there are plenty of hybrids in particular that are in their fourth and fifth years of ownership, and that are coming into the independent aftermarket now.

“Garages that act fast to upskill their workforce will retain their loyal customers as they upgrade to newer, cleaner technologies – at the same time as attracting hybrid and EV drivers from the competition.”

The LKQ Academy is also launching a number of new courses to help the independent aftermarket get hybrid and EV-ready.

A two-day training course ‘Becoming an EV Garage’ starts with an overview of the plug-in market in the UK, before covering the advantages of tapping into this growing sector of the market, and how to make hybrid and EV servicing and maintenance a profitable workstream.

There are also two new practical courses now available for technicians who are already trained to level 4 and looking to become specialists in hybrid vehicle repair. One is focused on problem solving, analysis, diagnosis and repair for high voltage systems, with the second course focused on high voltage batteries.

Bob Wiffen added: “Many drivers are entering into the relative unknown with their first hybrid or EV, and are carefully choosing which workshop to take it to. It goes without saying that investing in the right skills on the workshop floor is essential for garages looking to take advantage – but for that to really pay off, so is effective marketing.

“Garages that highlight their hybrid and EV expertise and capability on their websites and on social media are best placed to win the confidence of their customers, and with our help, can build their reputation as a local specialist in a market that’s only going to grow.”

LKQ Academy provides IMI-approved courses for all levels, and a free skills assessment to technicians looking to assess where they might need to top-up their training.