MECHANICS across Warwickshire have been going back to college to learn about electric cars.
The electrified vehicle course is running at Warwick Trident College’s new electric vehicle training facility and the first cohort have just completed their upskilling.
The technicians, who all day to day handle maintenance on Warwickshire County Council vehicles, completed the Level 3 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Systems Repair and Replacement course.
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 was fantastic to see the workshops being used to upskill existing workers.
He continued: “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.
“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.”
To find out more about courses at Warwick Trident College visit www.wcg.ac.uk/study
