A total of 90,000 automotive technicians will be required to provide sufficient workforce to service the volume of zero emissions vehicles predicted to be on UK roads by 2030 according to the Institute of the Motor Industry.
However, the professional body is predicting that while the automotive sector is working hard to retrain because of the accelerated adoption of EV, there will be a shortfall of 35,700 technicians by 2030, with 2026 marking the point at which the skills gap will materialise.
The IMI is repeating its plea for the government to commit funding to support EV skills training.
It is suggesting a £15m boost would play a critical role, contributing towards training for up to 75,000 technicians.
Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry said, “Once the charging network is fit for purpose, combined with EVs becoming more financially accessible, the next big challenge will be how to ensure we have a workforce adequately qualified to provide the essential servicing, maintenance and repair to keep these vehicles safe on the roads.
“The current gaping chasm in EV skills not only presents a safety threat for those who may risk working on high voltage vehicle systems without appropriate training and qualifications; it also means the premium on skills could add to costs for motorists, creating another, unnecessary deterrent to the switch to EV.
“The government wants the adoption of EV to continue at a pace – the investment in EV charging needs to be matched by an investment in EV skills training to help employers ensure the workforce is EV-ready and electrified motoring doesn’t come at a premium.”
