COLEG Cambria, a leading educational institution, has announced the launch of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) programme aimed at addressing the significant national demand for skilled technicians in the EV industry. The initiative comes in response to a recent report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF), which warns that Britain will face a shortage of mechanics to service the growing number of electric vehicles on its roads within the next decade.
The Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair 2 and 3 qualifications offered by Coleg Cambria Deeside have already achieved considerable success, with approximately 100 learners completing the courses over the past 18 months. Building upon this achievement, the college is now introducing a more comprehensive Level 4 Award in Diagnosis and Rectification of Faults in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, set to commence this September.
According to Charles Jones, a lecturer at Coleg Cambria, staying abreast of the latest technological developments is crucial for mechanics and individuals aspiring to join the automotive industry. He emphasized the importance of equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the industry, stating, “Electric vehicles are here to stay, and it is pivotal that their skillsets do the same, to stay ahead of the curve and keep pace with these advances in technology.”
Jones further highlighted the positive feedback received from past students who have completed the EV courses, noting the significant impact it has made on their workplaces and career prospects. He added, “Given they can support that growing customer base, it has given them a unique selling point compared to others in the sector who are yet to embrace EV.”
Due to the high demand for the EV programme, Coleg Cambria currently delivers the course twice a year, and places are filling up rapidly. Prospective learners are encouraged to get in touch with the college to secure their spots. Jones emphasized the flexibility of the course, stating, “There is a lot of flexibility because most people studying the course will already be in employment, so they can roll in and roll off.”
To support the new programme, Cambria has partnered with local stakeholders to provide specialist tools, vehicles, and machinery. The Level 4 cohorts will engage in advanced service and repair processes, including the disassembly and repair of electric batteries, which offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to replacement.
Carl Black, Curriculum Director for Engineering, Automotive, and Electrical Technical at Coleg Cambria Deeside, emphasized the need for more independent garages to transition to EV servicing and train the next generation of EV technicians. Black stated, “It is already happening, and it’s not just garages who are sending people to us. We have had representatives from local authorities, utilities, transport companies, and more.”
To facilitate access to the EV programme, Personal Learning Account (PLA) funding is available to eligible individuals. With the growing demand for skilled workers in the zero-emission transport sector, Coleg Cambria aims to provide excellent facilities and expertise to support career advancement in the EV industry.
The recent SMF report has highlighted the urgent need for qualified mechanics in the EV industry, projecting a shortfall of 25,000 technicians by 2030. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like Coleg Cambria’s new EV programme to bridge the skills gap and meet the demands of the evolving automotive landscape.
As the automotive industry rapidly transitions towards electric and hybrid vehicles, Coleg Cambria’s comprehensive training programs are poised to equip individuals with the necessary expertise to contribute to a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
