Only 20% of all UK car mechanics are now trained in electric hybrid vehicle technology. But there are more than 1,600,000 electric vehicles on the country’s roads. Moreover, the electric vehicle industry is gradually growing, with several thousand cars rolling off the assembly line weekly. Logically, this ratio of qualified specialists and the number of vehicles has led to the fact that in the UK, there is an acute shortage of personnel with all the skills required to maintain and repair vehicles.
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The transition to electric and hybrid vehicles is not a dream but a reality of modern life. The evolving automotive landscape has led to car manufacturers switching to more environmentally friendly vehicles. They are gradually abandoning internal combustion engines in favour of electric motors. The popularity of electric hybrid vehicles is due to several reasons:
The UK government also actively supports the transition of the UK population to electric vehicles. Various programmes and other incentives are used for this purpose. Therefore, it is natural that hybrid cars are very popular.
The motor industry in the UK is going through a period of change. This is partly due to the introduction of the ambitious Green Plan. According to it:
Such an ambitious plan cannot be imagined without specialists in electric and hybrid vehicles. That is why this profession is future proof, as such workers will be needed more and more every year.
Another factor why the demand for electric vehicle mechanics will constantly grow is the complexity of these vehicles. Electric cars are more complex than their simple internal combustion engine counterparts. They at least consist of:
Routine maintenance of an electric vehicle is a complex process that requires some knowledge and practical experience.
To get a job as an electric hybrid vehicle mechanic, you must undergo the appropriate training. You can gain the skills and knowledge needed in several ways, such as local colleges or vocational schools. The duration of these courses can vary, typically ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the institution and the depth of the programme.
These institutions can provide you with all the necessary significant core knowledge that will be useful in future work with the vehicles. Special EV courses and college programmes cover the most important topics:
Some courses can also provide practical necessary skills in diagnosing and repairing electric hybrid vehicles. It is possible to take face-to-face or virtual courses.
Training is compulsory. To become a certified hybrid vehicle mechanic, you will need to complete a recognised training programme and pass a certification exam. Having a certificate as a hybrid vehicle mechanic is an important signal to employers that you have all the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform repair and replacement of the main technical components of electric hybrid vehicles.
TThe demand for electric vehicle specialists continues to grow. Employment opportunities are growing along with it. A professional with the appropriate qualifications can find employment in a variety of places:
Some specialists can even work directly with electric car manufacturers, performing warranty repairs and providing other services (routine maintenance, for example).
One of the attractive aspects of building a career in electric hybrid vehicle servicing is the possibility of receiving a higher salary. Technicians must have the specialised knowledge and skills needed for repair and replacement of the technical components of electric hybrid vehicles. The demand for this profession is not expected to decrease in the future.
In addition, this profession provides a person with many useful skills that can be used far beyond auto repair like ability to solve a variety of problems or skills in using electronic diagnostic equipment. The above expertise could be useful useful in many other areas of the automotive industry and beyond:
By choosing the profession of an electric hybrid vehicle repair technician, you not only secure a promising career but also contribute to the planet’s environmental safety. Your role in the routine maintenance and repair of faulty electric vehicle parts makes you a key player in promoting eco-friendly transport in the UK, a significant achievement in itself.
The popularisation of eco-friendly transport has led to a severe shortage of mechanics well versed in the intricacies of electric vehicles. This type of vehicle has unique problems that require specialised repair activities. The biggest challenge concerns safety, as this vehicle has high-voltage components.
Working with electrical components, especially high-voltage ones, requires a high level of responsibility. Proper training is essential to prevent unsafe practices that can harm not only the mechanic but also the vehicle. Failure to follow safety protocol can lead to:
You should take the appropriate automotive electrician training courses to protect yourself from problems and ensure that you work safely. Colleges and colleges in the UK offer many training programmes. Among other things, working mechanics can take advanced qualification courses to broaden their scope of work.
An automotive electrician course will provide you with all the knowledge and skills you need to carry out professional electric vehicle maintenance. Most often, these courses cover:
To conclude, it is worth noting that the growing popularity of electric hybrid vehicles in the UK has led to a severe shortage of mechanics. The shift to eco-friendly transport is not a temporary trend. It is a fundamental shift in our reality. So, if you choose this profession, you won’t miss out.