CoolKit partners with HEAT centre to advance skills in sustainable automotive technology

CoolKit, has partnered with Blackburn College's Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) centre to enhance the skills of both CoolKit employees and the future manufacturing workforce as hybrid and electric vehicle technology continues to evolve.

 Through this strategic partnership, nine CoolKit team members from its Blackburn site will undertake the IMI Level 2 in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles at Blackburn College's state-of-the-art HEAT centre.

This qualification provides essential knowledge and skills to work safely around electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly during routine maintenance and repair activities.

One of CoolKit’s core focuses is to support its fleet customers with the transition to electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles. Being a HEAT centre partner will see CoolKit continue to work closely with the HEAT team at Blackburn College seeking their guidance and professional support on the latest accreditations and technology knowledge.

 Joe Gleave, director of operations at CoolKit said: “We’re thrilled to keep building on our partnership with Blackburn College and investing in the growth and development of our team.

“By equipping our people with the latest skills and knowledge, we’re not only boosting our own capabilities but also playing a part in advancing our industry as we work toward Net Zero.

 "The HEAT centre at Blackburn College truly impressed us. The facilities and services are outstanding and it’s a real advantage to have this right on our doorstep.

"The team shares our commitment to sustainability in the industry, and we’re excited to collaborate closely with them. We’ll start by addressing our current skills needs and then explore future courses together to stay ahead.”

CoolKit will also be supporting Blackburn College in its mission to provide all its students with industry knowledge and work-ready skills.

 Michael Yerbury, advanced automotive technical trainer at HEAT, added: "It’s important that education and industry work in collaboration, not in silos.

 “We are delighted to have completed our first wave of training with CoolKit and are thrilled to announce that 100 per cent of all candidates achieved the qualification to a high standard. Now the candidates will have the necessary skills and confidence to be able to safely isolate high voltage vehicle systems.

 “The partnership with CoolKit aligns with our shared vision to advance automotive technology education, supporting both the existing and future workforce. By collaborating with CoolKit, we can ensure that our training programmes reflect the latest industry standards and innovations.”

The HEAT centre at Blackburn College is the region’s leading provider of hybrid and electric vehicle training, boasting the latest technology and educational resources.

It comes after Lancashire Business View reported how CoolKit, was chosen as the sole UK distributor of Austrian refrigeration trailblazers, pbx. 

 Through this strategic collaboration, CoolKit will market pbx’s revolutionary refrigeration units, designed specifically for temperature-controlled electric LCVs. 

Announced at the Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D – where the pbx’s ecos M24 was included in the first-ever Ford E-Transit Custom conversion - this partnership represents a significant advance in sustainable refrigerated transportation, with pbx units offering unmatched benefits in efficiency, eco-friendly design, and operational ease.