Mission Motorsport secures IMI's EV training centre approval

Mission Motorsport is able to equip ex-services personnel for a new career in the automotive sector after gaining electric vehicle (EV) training centre approval from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles potentially being brought forward by government to as early as 2030, James Cameron, the chief executive and founder of Mission Motorsport said the job opportunities for service-leavers will be ‘immense’.

He said: “Many forces personnel have extensive experience in handling high voltage equipment; it’s just part of the day job. It makes perfect sense to reapply this experience in the automotive sector which is currently facing a shortage of experienced and qualified technicians to work on electric vehicles.

“Working in collaboration and using expertise from both Mission Motorsport and the IMI, we have identified a win-win opportunity that responds to the automotive sector’s need for skilled staff qualified in working with high voltages.”

IMI TechSafe is a standard to ensure the automotive industry has employees qualified and technically up to date to work on electric systems in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Cameron said: “The IMI TechSafe recognition provides a real door-opener for talented services leavers and veterans who are looking to transition to new careers. Mission Motorsport committed to secure training centre approval which required a significant investment of time to get our team trained and ready to deliver the courses – all whilst coping with COVID-19.

“With more than 14,000 service leavers looking for new opportunities every year – and already having assisted more than 2,000 individuals into automotive careers in the last five years, we know that we will be able to provide a supported pathway for veterans to access genuine employment opportunities – as well as filling a very real skills gap for automotive employers.”

Mission Motorsport will be running it’s first EV course on November 11 and 12, 2020.

IMI chief executive, Steve Nash, said: “Mission Motorsport must be congratulated on achieving IMI EV Training Centre approval in such a challenging period.

"The team stayed focused on the endgame to deliver a training experience for ex-forces personnel that will put them in the strongest position for the best job opportunities.

“Despite the current challenges in the market, the automotive sector must be ready for the zero emission targets being set – and that means there will continue to be a focus on those who have the capabilities to work on high voltage vehicles.

“With IMI TechSafe accreditation, ex-services personnel give the automotive sector a real opportunity to get ahead of the game, addressing one of the big recruitment challenges it faces.”