THE HEAT IS ON
A Lancashire college is playing a central role in creating the skilled mechanics and technicians that will be needed to keep the UK’s electric revolution on the road.
The latest automotive technology skills are being taught at Blackburn College’s new Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) facility.
HEAT is part of the £1.3m Lancashire Automotive Skills Accelerator Project, which aims to bridge the skills gap in low-carbon vehicle mechanics.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has said there will be a requirement for 90,000 technicians by 2030 with a predicted 35,700 shortfall.
Blackburn’s state-of-the-art facility, filled with the latest equipment, is focusing on electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, service and repair.
The college is leading the accelerator project, which is being funded by the Department for Education. And the centre, located in its Regional Automotive Technology Hub (RATH) building, is now starting to play its role in the journey that will see the withdrawal of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 as part of the UK’s net-zero targets.
The industry-leading centre, which officially opened its doors at the end of last year, has a range of courses on offer and is looking to develop them further.
Gerard Linnane, curriculum leader for motor vehicles at the college, says: “We’re focusing on the service and repair side which is going to be massive. There is a huge skills gap at this moment in time and that has to be filled.”
HEAT will be a major asset to mechanics looking to upskill in EV and hybrid automotive repairs to meet the future needs of their employers and the centre has been working closely with garages in Lancashire to promote its offer.
Tony Morris from vehicle repair company CMS Blackburn has toured the facility. Speaking afterwards he said: “The facility is extremely modern and will be a real asset to mechanics looking to upskill in electric and hybrid automotive repairs.
“Electric and hybrid vehicles have changed the automotive industry and, as garages, we need to ensure that we have the knowledge to be able to futureproof our industry.”
As well as upskilling existing mechanics, the centre also aims to cater for those at the start of their careers. Looking at the continued journey towards EV, Gerard says: “There is a massive opportunity out there for young people.”
A Department for Education spokesperson says: “The Strategic Development Fund is enabling Blackburn college to meet local skill priorities, reduce carbon emissions and help boost the economy.
“It is giving colleges access to cutting-edge equipment, such as Blackburn’s world-class automotive facilities which will help deliver the skills needed to allow even more automotive business to service hybrid and electric vehicles.”
Sign up to any of our HEAT courses.
hybrid-electric.training LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT)
41
AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
