In the week the government announced plans to invest £620m in grants for electric vehicles and street charging points, we take a look at how we are already helping the local auto industry to be prepared for the shift.
The government announcement is just one part of their strategy to reduce greenhouse gases and reach a target of net zero by 2050. As part of a raft of measures been introduced, car makers will have to sell a percentage of clean vehicles each year. The government has promised an additional £350m to help the industry move to electric.
Getting ready for growth in demand
Working closely with the auto industry, the college has developed a series of Institute of Motor Industry accredited courses. They are designed to help local car mechanics, technicians, engineers and electricians to be ready for the expected growth in demand.
Andy Birch, technical trainer at Chesterfield College said;
“Our courses are for any technician in the motor trade who wants to develop their knowledge of electrically propelled, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. The industry has to be prepared for the future. We are using our expertise to make sure we deliver quality courses to ensure businesses are ready for the shift in demand.”
Helping the motor industry prepare for the future
Jody Housley, business owner and student on one of the electric vehicle courses said:
“I own a garage and I have done other courses with the college to develop my business. This course will future proof me. In the next 10 or 20 years there is going to be a huge shift to hybrid, at least, so I am doing this course to give me a foot in the future.”
The college has a good track record of training people to work in the auto trade. It runs a range of full time, part time courses and apprenticeships to develop skills for the sector.
The hybrid and electrical vehicle courses give anyone interested in developing skills for the future the chance to increase their knowledge about routine maintenance, general awareness and installation of charging points for electric vehicles.
Courses available now
Find out more about the courses we offer here:
- Electric & hybrid vehicle awareness
- Electric & hybrid vehicle maintenance activities.
- Installation of Electrical vehicle charging points