CASE STUDY: Rushlift GSE - Heathrow Airport

AUTOTECH TRAINING DELIVERED ITS IMI-ACCREDITED LEVELS 2, 3, AND 4 ELECTRIC/HYBRID VEHICLE TRAINING PROGRAMMES ON-SITE AT HEATHROW AIRPORT

Rushlift GSE plays a critical role in keeping Heathrow Airport moving. Providing 24/7 leasing, maintenance, and repair services for a vast fleet of electric ground support equipment, including baggage tugs, belt loaders, and aircraft high-loaders, their rapid-response operation underpins airside logistics for major clients like Menzies Aviation and Davies Turner Air Cargo.

With growing demand for electric Ground Support Equipment and contracts covering more than 650 vehicles, Rushlift recognised the need to upskill its engineering workforce to safely maintain and service high-voltage electric vehicles. The objective was to ensure technical readiness across all shifts without disrupting core operations.

Autotech training van outside Rushlift GSE Heathrow Airport

THE AUTOTECH TRAINING SOLUTION

Autotech Training delivered its IMI-accredited Levels 2, 3, and 4 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Training programmes on-site at Heathrow Airport. More than 35 Rushlift technicians participated in these sessions, which were designed to build comprehensive skills - from fundamental EV safety awareness to advanced diagnostics and repair procedures.

To further support Rushlift’s in-house capability, Autotech Training also supplied specialist EV tools aligned to the qualification standards, enabling technicians to apply their new skills immediately and safely within the operational environment.

The training covered key areas such as:

Identifying and managing hazards associated with electric/hybrid vehicles
Safely working on live high-voltage systems and components
Performing system diagnosis, testing, and advanced fault-finding
Using appropriate safety equipment and insulated tools
Maintaining compliance with IMI and health & safety standards

By delivering training at Rushlift’s own Heathrow facilities, Autotech Training minimised disruption to their 24/7 operations, while ensuring learning was practical, hands-on, and directly relevant to the equipment used daily.