Shortfall of EV technicians predicted to reach 43,000 by 2035

The shortfall between workforce demand and the supply of qualified electric vehicle (EV) technicians is predicted to reach 43,000 by 2035, according to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in the UK.

Data from the IMI shows almost 75,000 technicians now hold an EV qualification, which is only one in three of the UK’s technician workforce.

It said demand for EV technicians will increase sharply from the early 2030s, leading to a major shortfall.

In light of this, business group Logistics UK has launched its autumn programme of EV courses designed to address the EV skills gap and help future proof the sector.

“With increasing numbers of electric vehicles being used across all vehicle types, from company cars and grey fleet to vans and HGVs, there will be more staff now that need training so they can continue to work safely while ensuring business operations are not disrupted,” said Logistics UK director of operations, Chris Lipscomb.

Logistics UK provides EV courses ranging from a half day online electric vehicle safety awareness course to an IMI Level 2/3 award preparing electric vehicles for repair.

The IMI Level 2/3 Award in Preparing Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Repair, delivered in partnership with Loughborough College Group, is a two-day course designed to give technicians the knowledge and skills to work safely on electric and hybrid heavy goods vehicles while carrying out repairs and testing.

The Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Safety Awareness online training is designed as an entry level course to help participants work safely within the logistics industry as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles entering the workplace increases.

For information on course content or to book your place online, visit the Logistics UK Training website training.logistics.org.uk.