The AA, the UK’s number one breakdown provider, has partnered
with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to upskill around
2,000 patrols with industry leading EV training. All of the AA’s
patrols are already trained to IMI Level 1 equivalent*, with the
AA’s goal to train all patrols to become IMI Level 2 equivalent
by the end of the year.
In addition, patrols based in areas of high EV ownership will
start to be trained to IMI Level 3 equivalent standard during
2022, with more to be trained in 2023. This training will enable
patrols to follow best safety practices on electric and hybrid
vehicles, including on the high voltage components or systems to
repair EVs at the roadside.
One of the reasons drivers are nervous about buying EV’s is due
to the skill shortage in the service, maintenance and repair
workforce. The IMI has identified that currently just 6.5% of the
UK automotive aftermarket workforce is qualified to work on
electric vehicles. The AA is keen to provide confidence to
motorists which is why all patrols will be IMI
TechSafeTM registered once they reach Level 2
standard.
The IMI TechSafeTM Standards for those working on
Electric Vehicles (EV) are set by the IMI and endorsed by the
Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The AA
Training Centre in Oldbury has achieved IMI Centre approval for
the delivery of the training to meet IMI
TechSafeTMstandards.
Training will continue for years to come as the AA will also
offer continuous personal development (CPD) training to ensure
all roadside assistance staff are updated on new and evolving EV
technology.
Last year, EV registrations made up 11.6% of new car sales
compared to 8.2% of new sales being diesel**. This shift in
consumer attitudes shows that EVs are a suitable alternative to
combustion cars.
Dean Keeling, managing director of AA roadside services,
said: “We are proud to receive IMI accreditation to
deliver industry leading EV training to our five-star patrols***.
“We are giving power to electric drivers, by training our highly
skilled patrols in gold standard EV qualifications so that we can
safely repair their vehicles.”
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, added: “It is
tremendously exciting to see the commitment the AA is making to
upskilling its patrols to be ready to support its Electric and
Hybrid driving customers at the roadside. As we advance towards a
zero-emission future, it is going to become much more commonplace
for roadside technicians to come into contact with these new
technologies. It’s vital, therefore, that AA customers and the
wider public have confidence that vehicle is being dealt with by
someone who has the right skills.“
Transport Minister said: "As we make
the mass switch to electric vehicles, drivers up and down the
country will benefit from a smoother and more efficient driving
experience while helping to make our air cleaner, lives healthier
and employment opportunities greener.
"I'm pleased to see AA backing the UK's transport revolution by
providing industry-leading training to its staff, ensuring they
have the confidence and skills to support the growing market of
EVs. This is a very welcome step forward as we accelerate towards
our important net-zero ambitions.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* IMI Level 1 gives basic knowledge of safe working practices,
the dangers surrounding and the precautions required to avoid
potential injury when near electric and hybrid vehicles.
IMI Level 2 allows safe working on electric and hybrid vehicles
that may have had damage to the high energy/electrical system,
although not to work on the high voltages components or systems
themselves.
IMI Level 3 allows patrols to work on the high voltage components
and systems.
Find out more here: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/learn/qualifications/electric-vehicle-qualifications
** https://www.smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/evs-and-afvs-registrations/
*** https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/five-star-aa-named-which-recommended-provider-for-fourth-year-running
