College launches first electric and hybrid vehicle training hub
@ColegCambria is motoring towards the launch of a revolutionary electric and hybrid vehicle training centre.
From September, students can sign up for an IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 qualification in a cutting-edge facility combining the latest technology and equipment with interactive learning.
To further boost Cambriaās credentials, Automotive Trainer Mentor Alex Woodward has been awarded Low Carbon Consultant Expert status from the European Centre of Technology (ECT) Renewable Energy Institute.
Carl Roberts, Director of Engineering at Bersham Road, said the accolade will further strengthen their position as a centre of excellence.
āAlexās fantastic achievement gives us a great foundation to build on,ā said Carl.
āThe rest of the team will be in position to deliver the Level 3 course from September, so Bersham Road will be at the forefront of education and training at a crucial time for the trade.
āThe move from petrol and diesel to electric and hybrid is the biggest change facing the automotive sector for 40-50 years, so dealerships and garages across the country will have to be ready.
āThe IMI is pushing for all technicians to be trained to work on hybrid and electric, so from a diagnostic and safety point of view it is crucial they move quickly.ā
He added: āThe Low Carbon Consultant Expert series of courses completed by Alex are not just about vehicles, the knowledge developed can be transferred to multiple trades, from electrical engineering to construction, plumbing, welding and more.
āThe green agenda means we will lean into other areas, so the possibilities are endless.ā
The college invested in the switch to electric and hybrid pre-Covid but was unable to train staff and unveil the centre because of the pandemic.
They already have a hybrid vehicle on-site and are in discussions with manufacturers to forge new partnerships and install further cutting-edge machinery, as well as sourcing an electric car.
Alex said: āSafety is top priority so we have a rig on which learners can work on the engine without any risks and simulate issues and solutions that would happen in real-time, real-life scenarios.
āPeople in the trade will need to be prepared because, like with a petrol or diesel car, when the warranty runs out motorists will be looking to take their vehicle to an independent garage. At present theyāre not in a position to do the work.ā
On receiving the ECT accolade, he added: āThat was a great honour and came after a I completed three courses on electric vehicles, hydrogen energy and the financial side of the move towards electric and low-carbon.
āIāve been working with cars and vehicles of all kinds since the 1970s and this is the biggest shift Iāve ever seen; we are no longer mechanics and things are going to be different as the world moves towards zero emissions.
āGovernments have their targets and we are here to help achieve them ā the industry needs to be ready.ā
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