Transport Training Services is responding to industry demand by offering training on electric/hybrid vehicles for fully qualified technicians needing to upskill and qualify to work on electric/hybrid vehicles.  

Driven by targets set by government to enable adoption of zero emission cars and vans, there is a very real need to increase technician competence and in turn, consumer confidence that electric and hybrid vehicles can be maintained properly and safely.  Recognising this early on, TTS set out to address the issue within Northern Ireland and now has trainers suitably qualified to deliver Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) TechSafe™ courses.  

As Northern Ireland’s premier motor industry training specialist, TTS has acquired three hybrid vehicles, including a brand new, top of the range Toyota RAV4, plus an additional new plug-in hybrid to ensure that learners are training on the most up-to-date vehicle specifications.

TTS can offer a range of electric/hybrid courses but for now is focusing primarily on the Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement qualification (ref 603/1468/0), since this is the most relevant and in-demand requirement currently.  This is a two-day course for experienced mechanics/technicians, which enables successful candidates to work safely around EV/hybrid vehicles and includes vehicles that may have damage to their high voltage system.

This training reduces the risk of accidents with these high voltages and the qualification helps employers meet their ‘duty of care’ under the Electricity at Work Regulations, to prevent danger when carrying out work on electrical systems.

Participants will be issued with internationally recognised certification upon completion of an EV course delivered at TTS’s Nutts Corner training facility, and their details will be held on the IMI Professional Register so that motorists can check if technicians at their chosen garage are able to work on their vehicle safely.

So far, feedback from industry and from course participants has been extremely positive, with post-training questionnaires, which cover TTS facilities, course content and trainer knowledge, rating all aspects highly.  One trainee commented: “I found the assessor’s information relevant to my field and I’m very happy with the information I’m leaving with”, while others commended the trainers with comments such as “helpful”, “knowledgeable” and even “witty”, and for making them “feel comfortable”.

TTS is also committed to integrating EV/hybrid training into its technical apprenticeships for those already enrolled on its technician apprenticeship programmes.

The Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has given its endorsement to the IMI TechSafe™ standards for people working on electrified vehicles.

Martin Hutchinson, CEO of TTS added: “We continually strive to deliver practical training to Northern Ireland’s motor industry technical personnel so they can stay relevant in an industry that is making rapid technological changes.  Giving technicians the necessary skills to safely work on high voltage vehicles is just one area that we are currently focusing on”.

The next Level 3, two-day course at TTS, Nutts Corner is 28 and 29 January 2020 and is being offered for the introductory cost of just £299+VAT (including registration and certification fee) for a limited time only.  Courses are limited to 10 delegates to ensure sufficient practical work opportunities.