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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 AFTERMARKET 51 www.aftermarketonline.net TRAINING Upcoming training dates and news on courses TRAINING UPDATE The government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has given its endorsement to the IMI’s TechSafe standards for people working on electrified vehicles. This will mean that electrified vehicle users can access the IMI Professional Register to check the electric vehicle technical competencies of technicians at their local garage. Following extensive work to develop the Electrified Vehicle Professional Standards by the IMI in collaboration with other industry bodies, the new EV TechSafe Standards give technicians a way to certify their EV competence. They will centre on EV qualifications, IMI accreditation, accredited training, professional behaviours and a commitment to CPD over an agreed number of years. The standards will comply with the Electricity at Work regulations, which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI observed: “As well as responding to the need to give EV drivers the reassurance that the garage they take their vehicle to has properly trained and qualified technicians, we believe these new standards are also crucial for employers. “There are considerable challenges when it comes to ensuring staff are properly trained and qualified to work on electrified vehicles which pose a significant safety risk. The EV Professional Standard is a significant step forward to address these concerns, and it will not stand still. The EV TechSafe standard will evolve with the technology and the needs of the motor retail industry. “Throughout the process of developing the Standards collaboration has been crucial, to ensure they are fit for purpose and will genuinely address industry and public barriers to wider EV adoption.” Steve added: “Training offered through all providers, in addition to the IMI, will be eligible for the accreditation scheme.” IGA publishes apprentice recruitment guide The IGA is looking to making apprentice funding, recruitment and retention clearer for workshops with the publication of The Garage Guide to Recruiting an Apprentice, exclusively for IGA members. The latest in the IGA’s series of Garage Guides provides information on the apprenticeship process from beginning to end, and includes guidance on updates to the Apprenticeship Levy and apprenticeship funding. IGA Head of Member Services Frank Harvey commented: “We have received feedback from garages for some time that they find the process of apprentice recruitment difficult to navigate. The number one issue faced by independent garages today is the shortage of skilled staff available and apprentices are vital in filling this increasing shortfall. We are proud to be tackling this issue head on.” Frank added: “The Garage Guide to Recruiting an Apprentice is another vital part of the toolkit we are building to enable members to future- proof their business, be better informed and better prepared for the future.” Welcome to Aftermarket’s training section. Here you can find the latest on upcoming training dates, as well as news on courses becoming available. If you have information on training you wish to share, please get in touch with the editor via email: alex@aftermarket.co.uk IMI TechSafe endorsed by government