Industry body calls for urgent EV training

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has warned that only 5% of current automotive technicians are “adequately trained” to work on electric vehicles.

Making the announcement, the association said it would be working with a e-learning provider to ensure training could take place in 2021 for mechanics.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is partnering with Vocanto on 45 of the body’s EV and light vehicle modules, launched to the IMI’s network of approved training centres at the start of 2021.

Speaking about the need for training, Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said: “Currently around 5% of UK automotive technicians are adequately trained to work on electric vehicles. The need to ramp-up this number was already taxing the best minds in the automotive sector; but that became even more urgent when the Government confirmed the new date of 2030 for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars earlier this month.

“The challenge – and especially while social distancing remains such an important factor for everyone’s health – is how to make this training as accessible as possible to those who need it.

The learning management system uses 3D models to provide simple and easy-to-understand visualisations of examination topics in various professional training programs. Individual topics can be covered in just 10-15 minutes to engender learner engagement and immediate feedback is provided to give trainees insight into where they need to focus their skills.

Johannes Schulte of Vocanto said: “Automotive technology is advancing rapidly; it’s vital therefore to provide a learning platform that will engage and excite those who want to be at the forefront of this sector.”