February 2021

48 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2021 TRAINING www.aftermarketonline.net Upcoming training dates and news on courses TRAINING UPDATE A new EV training initiative has been launched by Autotech Training, the training arm of Autotech Recruit. By the end of 2021 every contractor working full-time within Autotech Recruit’s network of temporary vehicle technicians and MOT testers will be trained to a minimum Level 2 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle IMI standard. A dedicated EV Training Suite is also being put together at Autotech’s Milton Keynes HQ. It will be used to offer Level 2 and 3 IMI accredited training. The EV Training Suite will also complement Autotech Training’s current on-site EV training programme. Autotech Group CEO Gavin White observed: “Demand for electric vehicles has doubled in the last year and manufacturers are increasing their investment in the build of these cars, but the percentage of vehicle technicians sufficiently trained to safely service electric vehicles is nowhere near where it should be. “We are aware of the pressure the entire aftermarket is under to deal with repairs and maintenance of the batteries and high-voltage electrical components within these vehicles, and this is set to be intensified unless training measures are put in place.” Also commenting, IMI CEO Steve Nash said: “Currently around just 5% of UK automotive technicians are adequately trained to work on electric vehicles. That means the ramp-up plan for all those who are likely to work on electrical vehicles – from service and repair technicians to those working in the roadside recovery and blue light sectors – needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. It’s therefore, encouraging, to see the investment being made by Autotech Recruit to tackle this challenge.” He added: “The IMI TechSafe standards, endorsed by OLEV at the end of 2019, mean that electrified vehicle users can access the IMI Professional Register to check the electric vehicle technical competencies of technicians at their local garage. Autotech Recruit’s efforts will help towards the critical mass of technicians qualified.” The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills course spotlight – MOT Centre Management This issue, we are highlighting the RMI's MOT Centre Management course. The course is compulsory for Authorised Examiner Designated Managers but anyone involved in the management of the MOT scheme, such as MOT Manager role holders, will also benefit from attending. There are no entry requirements. It will enable those who take it to run an MOT station, and covers an understanding of legislative and compliance requirements, documentation, dealing with customers, supervising staff and more. Participants will learn: Testing fees Acceptance of vehicles for test DVSA disciplinary system Test station equipment and calibration requirements Classes of vehicles Tester requirements Safe working practices Legislative and compliance requirements of a vehicle test centre Customer service problems within a vehicle test centre Developing and supervising staff within a vehicle test centre Vehicle test centre quality system and quality audit Documentation and security RMI members receive preferential pricing as a benefit of membership. RMItrainingAcademy .co.uk 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 Autotech invests to drive up electric vehicle training