College leads way with hydrogen vehicle training course

Blackburn College’s HEAT Centre is the first in England to help train a new generation of automotive mechanics in hydrogen powered vehicles.

Approval from the Institute of the Motor Industry to deliver its Level 3 Hydrogen qualification is a major milestone in helping the UK’s transition toward zero emission transport.

The launch of this new qualification positions Blackburn College at the forefront of emerging automotive skills training and comes after a six figure investment into the college’s state of the art automotive facility.

Aimed at the retail and public service automotive sectors, the new IMI Hydrogen Level 3 course will enable motor technicians to train on the most advanced kit, systems and processes.

Dr Fazal Dad CBE, chief executive and principal of Blackburn College, said: “To be the first centre in the country to be given approval to run this ground-breaking qualification is a true landmark achievement for Blackburn College.

“By becoming the first approved centre in England, Blackburn College reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting edge technical education and supporting the region’s workforce with future ready skills.”

Michael Yerbury, advanced automotive technical trainer at the college’s Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) facility, has been leading the developments in hydrogen training to enable the move into this next wave of vehicle propulsion.

Michael said: “This is a hugely important endorsement from the IMI and an honour to be the first centre in the country to deliver the IMI accredited Hydrogen level 3 qualification.

“We aim to provide high-quality, informative training to give our candidates the skills and knowledge to deal with this emerging technology.”

Michelle Barrett, from The Institute of the Motor Industry, said: “Blackburn College becoming the first centre in England to deliver the qualification marks a significant step forward for the automotive sector’s transition to low carbon technologies.

“As hydrogen emerges as a key part of the future motoring mix, it is vital that technicians are equipped with the specialist skills and knowledge required to work safely and effectively with these systems.”

The qualification is expected to support Lancashire motor vehicle businesses preparing for the transition to hydrogen and other low-carbon technologies.

Shuayb Nasir, from Richmond MOT Centre in Accrington, said: “As the automotive industry transitions toward hydrogen and other clean energy solutions, businesses like ours, that embrace training today position themselves as leaders tomorrow, ready to meet demand, adapt to change, and future-proof their operations.”