Just 5% of mechanics in the UK are qualified to work on electric cars, leaving the industry struggling to meet the 2030 deadline to transition from petrol and diesel to fossil-free, zero-emission travel.

The college has recently unveiled innovative training facilities at its Deeside and Bersham Road in Wrexham sites that will help meet demand from local employers.

Technicians currently working in the industry are able to sign up for various courses linked to Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair and all courses are delivered in cutting-edge facilities that combine the latest technology and equipment with interactive hands-on learning.

Carl Black, Coleg Cambria Curriculum Director, said:

“We are already seeing individuals working in the industry contacting us in order to develop their understanding and skills in this exciting new area of motor vehicle engineering.

“Our teams at both sites have all undergone extensive training in order to be able to deliver the courses. Thanks to this, we believe we are now at the forefront of education and training at a crucial time for the trade.

“The 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.”

“The industry 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.

“The college has hybrid and full electric vehicles on-site and are in discussions with manufacturers to forge new partnerships to install further cutting-edge machinery and vehicles.”

“The hybrid and electric vehicle training facilities we have created at both sites mirror the environments that technicians are used to working in on daily basis; whilst people completing the course have commented on the level of expertise of our staff.”

One local employer who is already benefiting from completing the course is Saughall Service Station located near Chester. Ian Worthington from the company said:

“Both myself and my technicians recently completed the Level 3 Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair qualification at Coleg Cambria. The course was delivered in the evenings over five weeks so it didn’t disturb the day to day running of the business.

“The move from petrol and diesel to hybrid and electric is a huge change for the industry and before completing the course we simply didn’t feel at all prepared or confident working on this new class of vehicle. Having worked with the knowledgeable staff at Cambria on their range of vehicles we’ve been able to win more business and increase the breadth of services we can provide our customers.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about the range of Hybrid / Electric Vehicle Repair qualifications on offer at Coleg Cambria, contact Carl Black on: carl.black@cambria.ac.uk