Autoglass Upgrades Technicians with Electric Vehicle Skills

Autoglass, a leading vehicle glass repair and replacement company, is taking proactive steps to adapt to the rising prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads. Recognizing the need for specialised skills to cater to the unique requirements of EV maintenance, Autoglass has launched a comprehensive EV training programme for all its technicians.

Commencing earlier this year, the new initiative mandates that every technician at Autoglass undergoes training to achieve the prestigious Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) EV Level III accreditation. This accreditation ensures that technicians are equipped with the necessary expertise to efficiently service and repair electric vehicles.

The decision to implement EV training comes in response to the noticeable surge in the number of EVs in the UK. Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that in June 2024, the uptake of battery electric vehicles escalated by 7.4%, constituting 19.0% of all car registrations for the month.

Autoglass’s proactive stance aligns with industry experts’ warnings of a potential skills gap in the motor sector for qualified technicians proficient in electric vehicle maintenance. Failure to address this gap could hinder repair capabilities for EVs in the foreseeable future.

The commitment to EV training is evidenced by Autoglass’s substantial investment of over £350,000 towards training its technicians on electric vehicle maintenance. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, nearly 400 Autoglass technicians have undergone the specialized EV training, demonstrating the company’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve.

Moreover, Autoglass’s parent company, Belron, was honoured with the prestigious IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence designation in 2023. This accolade recognises Belron’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence through investments in skills development and state-of-the-art training facilities.

Tim Camm, the Technical Training and Quality Manager at Autoglass, expressed pride in the company’s steadfast commitment to upholding superior standards of service. He emphasised, “At Autoglass, we take pride in being at the forefront of our industry, and investing in EV training is a natural progression for us. Our goal is to equip our technicians with the necessary expertise to handle any vehicle they encounter. We will continue to invest in training and sustainable solutions to ensure that our technicians and our business are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”