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Emergency Service vehicles operate as a lifeline to communities across the UK. However, the workshops tasked with repairing and maintaining these fleets are all facing familiar hurdles encountered by their private sector counterparts – a severe shortage of skilled technicians, the integration of new technologies, and notably the rise of electric and hydrogen vehicles.
Recent statistics reveal a notable shift towards sustainability across the UK’s emergency services. Police forces now boast a collective fleet of 430 electric vehicles operational nationwide, supported by 808 charging stations. In a pioneering move back in 2022, the London Fire Brigade led the charge by introducing the first electric fire engine, marking a significant step towards greener emergency response vehicles.
Meanwhile, the introduction of electric ambulances signals another progressive initiative underway in the UK. The first electric ambulance to respond to emergency 999 calls in London went out on its maiden voyage on New Year’s Eve 2024, joining the ranks of the London Ambulance Services’ fleet of 160 zero-emission capable vehicles.
The deployment of these fleets highlights a commitment to eco-friendly solutions despite the unique challenges posed by these heavy, specialised vehicles.
For the network of workshops, strategically placed to ensure rapid response times and optimal functionality of the UK’s 48,000 police vehicles, 9,500 fire service vehicles, and 8,500 ambulance vehicles, the transition towards EVs represents a significant shift.
While offering environmental benefits and potential cost savings, they require a distinct skill set for maintenance and repair, and the significance of this change must be recognised.
Alongside an emphasis on upskilling vehicle technicians working within emergency service workshops to help maintain growing fleets of energy-efficient and digitally enabled emergency vehicles, there is a critical need to equip workshop managers with the requisite skill set to navigate the evolving automotive landscape effectively.
For instance, the unique components and maintenance requirements of electric vehicles demand a workforce equipped with advanced skills in electrical engineering, battery technology, and software diagnostics. Bridging this skills gap is crucial to ensure a smooth transition to an electric future, particularly within the emergency services.
Managers must not only equip themselves with the technical know-how of EVs but also possess the proficiency to effectively steer their teams through this seismic transition.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicts a potential shortfall of 4,500 EV qualified TechSafe® technicians by 2029, escalating to 16,000 by 2032. While this reflects the entire aftermarket, emergency services are acutely feeling this skills gap as electric vehicles are increasingly incorporated into fleets.
Alongside training, there is also a requirement for Continuous Professional Development, to ensure qualified technicians remain compliant and up-to-date with the latest advancements in EV and ADAS technology.
The demand for workshop managers to integrate new technologies and maintain a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry is undoubtedly intensifying. To meet this need, Autotech Training, a leading provider of automotive training solutions, including IMI-accredited Levels 1 -4 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle training has spearheaded a Management Development Programme. The two-day course is designed to prepare emergency service workshop managers for the future, as the transition towards EVs, hydrogen vehicles and other advanced digital technologies continues.
“The next generation of emergency vehicles, which support zero-emission goals, is coming through and it is important that workshop managers are prepared," comments Alistair McCrindle, Operations Director for Autotech Training. "Our Management Development Programme empowers workshop managers and equips them with the right tools and knowledge to oversee this pivotal transition and uphold the highest standards of operational excellence."