A shortfall of qualified electric vehicle (EV) technicians is predicted to reach 43,000 by 2035, the business group Logistics UK has warned.
The news comes as the group launches its autumn programme of EV courses designed to address the EV skills gap and help future proof the sector.
Data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) shows almost 75,000 technicians now hold an EV qualification but this is still only one in three of the UK’s technician workforce. The IMI also predicts demand for EV technicians will increase sharply from the early 2030s, yet still result in the 2035 shortfall.
Logistics UK provides EV courses ranging from a half-day online electric vehicle safety awareness course to an IMI Level 2/3 award preparing electric vehicles for repair. The IMI Level 2/3 Award in Preparing Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Repair, delivered in partnership with Loughborough College Group, is a two-day course designed to give technicians the knowledge and skills to work safely on electric and hybrid heavy goods vehicles while carrying out repairs and testing.
The Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Safety Awareness online training is designed as an entry level course to help participants work safely within the logistics industry as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles entering the workplace increases.
Logistics UK’s Director of Operations Chris Lipscomb, said:
“The sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles is set to end in less than 10 years for the lightest road freight vehicles, and under 15 for the heaviest. Logistics operators need to prioritise investment in EV technicians now, to ensure electric and hybrid vehicles can be integrated into fleets as smoothly as possible.
“Businesses also have a responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act to provide awareness and practical training for staff who operate or come into contact with EVs. With increasing numbers of electric vehicles being used across all vehicle types, from company cars and grey fleet to vans and HGVs, there will be more staff now that need training so they can continue to work safely while ensuring business operations are not disrupted.”
“A shortage of EV technicians could act as a barrier for operators considering upgrading their fleets and delay the switch to cleaner vehicles.
“It is essential that skills develop to keep pace with adoption of new technology, and the Stephenson Campus in Coalville provides the ideal modern environment and technical equipment to help develop the workforce of tomorrow.”
Image courtesy of Green Car Guide
