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SUPPORTING THE UK'S NUMBER ONE BREAKDOWN PROVIDER
The AA is the UK’s number one breakdown provider. Every day, around 3,000 AA patrols attend around 10,000 breakdowns by cars, motorbikes, caravans, and vans. With a reported 477,000 electric cars (EVs) on the road in the UK and more than 790,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the amount of call outs for these vehicle types are increasing.
However, with this brings safety concerns. Not only do patrols need to be trained in how to repair electric vehicles, but they also need to know how to do so safely. As a result, at the start of this year, the AA announced a target to train all of its patrols to at least an IMI Level 2 electric/hybrid vehicle certification by the end of 2022. While all AA patrols are already trained to IMI Level 1 equivalent, under this commitment they will be IMI TechSafeTM registered when they gain Level 2 accreditation. The IMI TechSafeTM Standards for those working on Electric Vehicles (EV) are set by the IMI and endorsed by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Working with Autotech Training has enabled us to increase training capacity for our patrols and ensure that they are receiving industry leading development in Electric Vehicles.
N Foxall, Road Training Manager, The AA
Combining our own bespoke training alongside Autotech Training’s electric vehicle training courses, and their team of highly skilled and experienced trainers, ensures that we can better prepare our patrols for ever-changing technologies.
N Foxall, Road Training Manager, The AA
To facilitate this roll out, the AA achieved IMI Centre approval for the delivery of IMI Level 2 electric/hybrid vehicle training at its own technical training facility in the West Midlands. However, they required additional support to train patrols working in areas with a high density of EVs to IMI Level 3 electric/hybrid vehicle accreditation. The Level 2 qualification will equip the patrol with the necessary skill set to safely carry out routine maintenance and repair activities, whereas the Level 3 award will enable them to carry out diagnostic, testing and repair activities, and work on vehicles that may have damage to their high energy/electrical system.
THE AUTOTECH TRAINING DIFFERENCE
As an approved IMI training centre with the ability to deliver IMI Levels 1-4 electric/hybrid vehicle training courses, we were approached by the AA to train over 100 AA patrols to IMI Level 3. These two-day courses are being carried out within either our own EV training facility in Milton Keynes, or we are sending out our own highly experienced trainers, equipped with an electric vehicle for hands on learning, to the AA’s training facility at its Centre of Excellence in Oldbury, West Midlands.
