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The automotive industry is going through a period of rapid transformation. This shift reflects the growing complexity of vehicles, particularly with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs) and the challenges involved in fleet management.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicts that by 2030 the sector will need more than 107,000 EV trained technicians, increasing to 139,000 by 2032, and 185,000 by 2035. If current training trends continue, it is expected that there will be a shortfall of 30,000 EV qualified technicians by the time the ban of new ICE vehicle sales comes into force in 2035.
Yet while technical expertise in vehicle repair and maintenance is still essential, there is also an increasing need for non-technical training across the sector. As EVs become more widespread, they bring new considerations for those responsible for their upkeep. Technical knowledge remains vital, but leadership, communication and management skills are just as important. Being able to communicate with customers, staying compliant with regulations and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency all rely on these non-technical abilities. Even the most skilled technical teams may struggle to succeed without the support of strong management in today’s fast-changing automotive environment.
In response to these evolving demands, Autotech Training is offering a range of non-technical courses designed to meet the needs of a range of organisations from workshop managers and fleet supervisors to the emergency services. These courses are crucial for helping managers navigate the complexities of managing modern teams while ensuring the safe and efficient maintenance of increasingly complex fleets.
Autotech Training’s Management Development course, for example, is aimed at supervisors, managers and anyone with an aspiration to lead a team. This two-day interactive programme, aimed at junior managers and supervisors, focuses on developing leadership and operational skills, with topics covering:
- Delivering excellent customer service
- Managing customer expectations
- Effective communication across different platforms (in person, by phone, or via email)
- Conflict resolution and handling customer complaints
- Presenting customer invoices clearly to avoid pricing disputes
- Guiding teams through the seven-step aftersales customer service process
Investing in this type of training can empower managers to better support their teams, create safer working environments, and improve overall operational efficiency.
This course delivers these benefits by providing practical, real-world guidance on key management principles. Whether held at Autotech Training’s dedicated EV Training Suite Centre in Milton Keynes, or on-site at a client’s premises, the course is tailored to the specific challenges of the automotive industry and the vehicles of the customer.
There is also a Residential Management Development Programme available. This is split over 8 months with 4 x 2-day interactive training sessions covering all management development topics. Including finance, process, marketing and people.
Another course available is Great Customer Service. This 2-day interactive training is for customer facing roles to learn and improve the skills required to deliver excellent service to customers, with topics covering:
- What good service looks like
- Customer expectations
- Listening skills, the art of hearing what is said
- Responding to email / telephone / text / online bookings and face to face enquiries
- What goes wrong in After sales / service.
The rise of EVs has introduced new risks and safety considerations into workshops. High-voltage systems unique to EVs demand a specific understanding of how to manage these dangers safely. Managers, valets’ receptionists and everyone involved in the business, even if they are not directly involved in repairs, play a vital role in ensuring their teams adhere to stringent safety protocols.
Autotech Training’s non-technical programmes are designed to give teams the knowledge they need to implement these safety measures while fostering an environment of productivity. This comprehensive approach helps businesses adjust to the unique challenges of EVs and hybrids, which are set to become even more common in the near future as we get closer to the Government's electric vehicle target in 2035.
For businesses operating vehicle fleets or workshops, investing in the professional development of managers brings significant advantages. Non-technical skills, once viewed as secondary, have become essential to maintaining a competitive edge.
Effective training not only supports safer, more efficient operations but also enhances customer satisfaction and service quality. In addition, by developing strong leaders, companies can boost employee morale, increase turnover and create a culture of continuous professional development (CPD).
For those looking to develop the skills needed to future-proof their management teams, Autotech Training’s non-technical courses offer a valuable opportunity.
