There is an urgent need for education and training in alternative fuelled transport and energy in UK due to the country’s lack of skills and training capabilities in this field. The fast-moving alternative green fuel industry is causing a gap that is being filled by short courses and micro-credentialing offered by various organizations. While these interim solutions provide flexibility, they also risk creating a fragmented training landscape. The implementation of hydrogen into the UK economy is a key strategy in achieving net zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in the federal government’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan. To achieve these goals, education and training planning is essential. This includes “train the trainer” courses, trades courses, school curriculum changes, micro-credentials, higher education, and industry engagement programs.
The priority should be on basic awareness and safety to prepare a large workforce for the changes in the sector. The industry requirements demand, technological readiness, and financial viability to flourish. Readiness is key eliminate we need training ‘’now’’ to get the technicians of tomorrow match ready, there is no point waiting until the game is in full swing, because the very lack of skill trained people will massively slow the whole process down, in the UK and Globally
Alternative fuelled vehicle training offers several social benefits that contribute to the overall well-being of society. Firstly, by educating individuals on Electric, Hybrid and hydrogen, it raises awareness about clean energy alternatives and their potential to combat climate change. This knowledge empowers communities to make informed decisions that can lead to a more sustainable future. Secondly, hydrogen training creates opportunities for job growth in emerging industries focused on renewable energy. As more individuals acquire skills in hydrogen technology, they can contribute to the development and implementation of clean energy solutions, thereby fostering economic growth and innovation.
Scale of the Skill Gap
Recent research, from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), shows that despite an increase in EV training in the last year, qualified technician availability is still inconsistent across the UK.
It examines the proportion of technicians that are EV qualified compared to the total technician workforce in each UK local authority.
Only 7 local authorities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have 10% or more technicians qualified to work on electric vehicles.
Worryingly more than 150 local authorities have less than 2% of technicians with the necessary qualifications to work safely on electric vehicles.
Current predictions indicate that 77,000 IMI Tech Safe qualified technicians will be required by 2030, increasing to 89,000 by 2032. Add to this that it is predicted 160,000 vacancies in the sector (according to FleetNews) will need filling by 2031, this is driven by the rising replacement demand – due to retirement, migration and occupational mobility, the will significantly contribute to the expected and unprecedented number of available vacancies in the time to come.
Training is not just a consideration under cross skilling, it is rapidly becoming a pivotal matter, a mandatory requirement, as Britian and the world, makes its seismic shift to Net Zero.
We recently watched a program put out by ITV featuring the IMI and Lincoln College, this was showcasing the need for education which is urgently required within the Automotive Industry, click the link below to watch.
Watch the recent ITV Programme
The Roles That Will Need Up Cross-Skilling
Need to reskill automotive engineers for electric mobility The development of several new EV products, localisation of EV components and building of EV charging infrastructure across UK are expected to create many new jobs and require many new skills which is driving the reskilling
The global automotive industry is being disrupted by the rapid emergence of electric mobility. Automated driving powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning is fast becoming a reality. Connected cars are here and now being enabled by tech…
Cross-skilling from Mechanical Engineering to Electric Vehicles (EVs) involves acquiring new knowledge and skills related to the design, development, and manufacturing of EVs. This transition is driven by the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions and the increasing popularity of EVs in the automotive industry.
Here are some key areas where mechanical engineers can cross-skill to work on EV vehicles:
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle SAFETY: EHVs introduce hazards into the workplace in addition to those normally associated with the repair, routine maintenance and RTA related body work of vehicles, from annual service to roadside recovery, first responders and other vehicle related activities including seemingly non-hazardous activities, such as valeting all need to be crystal clear on handling EHV’S safely.
Electrical Systems: Understanding electrical systems is crucial for working on EVs. Mechanical engineers need to learn about high-voltage batteries, charging systems, power electronics, and motor control. They should also be familiar with safety protocols for handling high-voltage components.
Thermal Management: EVs have unique thermal management challenges due to the large battery packs. Mechanical engineers need to understand how to design cooling systems that can efficiently manage the heat generated by the batteries and other components.
Material Science: Material science plays a significant role in EV design and manufacturing. Mechanical engineers need to understand materials like lithium-ion batteries, lightweight metals, and composites used in EV construction.
Control Systems: Control systems are essential for managing the complex interactions between various components in an EV. Mechanical engineers need to learn about vehicle dynamics, powertrain control, and vehicle stability systems.
Software Development: Software development skills are increasingly important in the automotive industry, especially for developing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies used in EVs.
Regulatory Compliance: Mechanical engineers need to be familiar with regulatory requirements related to EV design, manufacturing, and testing. They should be knowledgeable about safety standards, emissions regulations, and other relevant regulations.
To acquire these skills, mechanical engineers must pursue various educational opportunities as they are now fully appreciating the real breath of the requirements of Cross Skilling, not just Britian, but Worldwide.
The Way Forward
We are all charge with the Global responsibility to create a safer living environment that embodies a NET ZERO ethos at its centre, existing to constantly support and drive Global initiatives to keep our blue planet safe. We already understand that a large part of this is how we transport, food, resources, people around the Globe and in focus on the roads of the UK and Europe. The result of this collective consciousness is we are seeking out Hybrid , Electric Vehicle and more recently Hydrogen alternative vehicles.
In fact Britian’s buying trends alone, tell a great deal as to where the Global marketplace is shifting, this is what Britons bought in January 2024:
- Petrol: 81,905
- Battery electric vehicle (BEV): 20,935
- Hybrid: 18,744
- Plug-in hybrid: 11,944
- Diesel: 9348
(figures accredited to IMI)
The fall from grace of diesel is no surprise, but the figures show there is still a mountain to climb to propel BEVs past petrol combustion cars, as mentioned EV vehicle sales are second only to Petrol and will most likely, soon eclipse these also.
As a result, current predictions indicate that 77,000 IMI Tech Safe qualified technicians will be required by 2030, increasing to 89,000 by 2032. Add to this that it is predicted 160,000 vacancies in the sector (according to FleetNews) will need filling by 2031, this is driven by the rising replacement demand – due to retirement, migration and occupational mobility, the will significantly contribute to the expected and unprecedented number of available vacancies in the time to come.
With this in mind we urgently need the trained mechanics and engineers to service, repair and maintain these alternative fuel vehicles, the numbers of which grow daily. Training is not just a consideration under cross skilling, it is rapidly becoming a pivotal matter, a mandatory requirement, as Britian and the world, makes its seismic shift to Net Zero.
Here at Block we are here to help, we love nothing more than providing the equipment which you will need to deliver first rate training to your students if you wish to discuss in more depth, organise a demonstration or place an order, please feel free to email or ring us for further information or to book a demonstration at your premises.
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Email: block1@blockautomotiveltd.co.uk
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