Blackburn College to lead skills drive for electric vehicle mechanics

Blackburn College has been selected to lead a new £1.3m motor vehicle project created to bridge the skills gap in low-carbon vehicle mechanics.

The Lancashire Automotive Skills Accelerator Project has been funded by the Department for Education as part of its Skills Accelerator Strategic Development Fund. The project also supports the government’s commitment to withdrawing the sale of new petrol or diesel cars in 2030 as part of the UK’s net-zero targets.

Low-carbon skills centres housing cutting-edge technology will be established across Lancashire and teachers will be trained to ensure that courses meet the needs of employers and the industry.

The project will create five electric and hybrid vehicle skills centres across Lancashire at Blackburn College, Blackpool and the Fylde College, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Myerscough College and Nelson and Colne College Group.

A Lancashire Independent Garage Network will be established to support motor vehicle businesses across Lancashire with skills, advice and guidance on how to meet the future industry demands for Electric and Hybrid vehicles and to adapt their business for growth.

The Independent Garage Network will develop employer partnerships with the colleges to explore new techniques and approaches to carbon neutrality.

Dealerships and independent garages will benefit from training in the service, repair and maintenance of electric and hybrid vehicles. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) expects a requirement for 90,000 technicians by 2030 with a 35,700 shortfall.

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