Autotech Recruit CEO joins IMI TechSafe™ sector advisory group to drive up EV training standards

Date: Thursday 09 July 2020

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Gavin White, CEO of Autotech Recruit, has joined the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) TechSafe™ Sector Advisory Group to help drive forward the Electrified Vehicle Professional Standard.

The move reinforces Autotech Recruit’s commitment to making its network of over 450 temporary vehicle technicians and MOT testers electric and hybrid aware by 2021, following increasing demand from the automotive aftermarket for EV trained technicians.

Officially endorsed by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) the IMI’s TechSafe™ standard offers vehicle technicians a way to certify their EV competence through IMI accredited training. The standard complies with Electricity at Work regulations, enforced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

The TechSafe™ Sector Advisory Group, which is chaired by the IMI’s CEO, Steve Nash, is made up of key figures across the motor sector, including manufacturers, vehicle repair groups and dealers. Through collaboration, this platform provides a valuable opportunity for industry experts to comment on, and shape the future of the growing electric vehicle sector, while safeguarding vehicle technicians.

Gavin’s position within this group underpins the work undertaken by Autotech Recruit in the last decade to raise awareness of the skills gap, including the forming of dedicated training and apprentice divisions.

“As electric vehicle sales rise, we are witnessing increasing demand for EV trained vehicle technicians,” comments Gavin. “However, we have a duty of care to ensure our technicians have the necessary skills to work safely on these vehicles.”

“The development of the TechSafe™ standard is a crucial step forward in the adoption of electric vehicles, and I am delighted to be part of the Sector Advisory Group.”

While training on electric vehicles is not yet regulated by the Government, employers are liable if untrained employees are injured while working on high-voltage vehicles. As electric and hybrid sales increase, the TechSafe standard is set to drive up confidence within the industry.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI concluded:

“As a key stakeholder in the automotive recruitment sector, Autotech Recruit has a unique insight into the needs of both employers and technicians. We are, therefore, delighted that Gavin White has accepted our invitation to join the TechSafe™ Steering Advisory Group. Last year the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) gave its endorsement to TechSafe™ standards for people working on electrified vehicles and the aim of the Steering Advisory Group is to ensure that TechSafe™ delivers what the automotive sector needs both now and for the future in respect of safe working practices which, in turn, will give the motoring public confidence in the skills of technicians. We look forward to welcoming Gavin to our next Steering Advisory Group meeting, later this month.”

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