Electric vehicle training facility is upskilling technicians across Warwickshire

An electric vehicle training facility which was created after a £477,000 investment is helping to upskill motor vehicle technicians from across Warwickshire.

Staff from automotive workshops ran across the region by Warwickshire County Council have become the first cohort to complete an electrified vehicle course at Warwick Trident College’s electric vehicle training facility.

The technicians, who day to day handle maintenance on council vehicles, completed the Level 3 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Systems Repair and Replacement at the college.

The week-long courses provide training on health and safety, hazards, working with high voltage components and provides an overview of working with technology associated with electric vehicles.

Learners were also taught about how internal combustion engines differ from full electric vehicle and hybrid.

To be able to work with electric vehicles in the workplace it is compulsory to have achieved certain qualifications.

Warwick Trident College’s training facility features fully-converted workshops with specialist features for the training of skills associated with electric vehicles.

The workshop is home to a range of electric vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric. It also features specialist tools and diagnostics equipment.

James Nutt, who delivers the training the electric vehicle facility for WCG, said it is fantastic to see the workshops being used to upskill existing workers.

“We’re pleased to be able to support Warwickshire County Council in developing their staff and ensuring they are equipped with the skills to work safely on electric vehicles,” said James.

“To be able to work on electric vehicles in a real-world environment you have to have completed a range of qualifications and we are delivering those qualifications to people right here at Warwick Trident College.

“The Warwickshire County Council group are the first to complete this specific course and passed with flying colours. We are already in conversations with a number of other high-profile businesses to help upskill the existing automotive technicians in their workshops.

“Electric vehicle technology is constantly evolving and by having this new facility at Warwick Trident College we are able to support businesses across the Midlands to ensure their staff are trained on how to use the latest technologies.”