The City of Wolverhampton College has launched an EV and green technologies training centre.
The centre aims to enable the college to deliver training for technicians to work on electrical and hybrid vehicles – and equip members of the local community the knowledge, skills and qualifications to access jobs in the sector.
The new scheme, supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, will see the delivery of four sector-based work academy programmes – from beginner to advanced level. It will be suitable for trainees that are new to the automotive retail and repair sector, and those currently working in the industry but who need to retrain or upskill with the latest hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
Courses on offer include a Level 1 award in electrical/hybrid vehicle awareness, Level 2 award in electrical/hybrid vehicle hazard management, Level 3 award in electrical/hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement, and a Level 4 award in diagnosis, testing and repair of electric/hybrid vehicles and components.
Participants will develop a range of specialised technical skills and knowledge, receive relevant Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) accreditation to enable them to work in the sector, and the opportunity to progress to the next level of qualification.
Michael Dixon, head of faculty for technology at the college, said: “Currently only around 3% of all vehicle technicians in the UK are trained on electric vehicles and this has an ongoing impact on the ability to maintain and repair them.
“We are delighted, therefore, to be able to offer these new IMI-accredited training programmes to increase the availability of skilled automotive technicians, develop a skilled workforce and drive technological growth in the region”
- image courtesy of City of Wolverhampton College
