The Institute of Motor Industry has revealed that more technicians than ever before underwent EV skills training in the first half of 2022.
It found that record numbers secured an EV qualification that is eligible for its TechSafe recognition and that there are now 32,900 technicians in the UK qualified to safely repair EVs, which represents 15% of the workforce.
However, despite that it has warned that the rapid uptake of EVs means the industry will reach a skills gap in 2027, a year earlier than previously predicted. It has based this on Auto Trader’s latest Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) parc data, which suggests that 26% of cars on UK roads by 2030 will be pure EVs.
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said: “We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our automotive industry peers and the education sector to bang the drum to Government about the critical importance of bolstering investment in EV training. The significant uptick in technicians seeking EV qualifications this year, which in turn makes them eligible to obtain IMI TechSafe™ recognition, is incredibly positive and proves our collective efforts have paid off.
“Furthermore, indications are that the third quarter of 2022 will see record numbers continue, which is fantastic news for the automotive industry. The more technicians who meet the IMI TechSafe standards – endorsed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) – the greater the confidence the public will have in choosing electric as we head to 2030.”
