The future's electric with automotive engineering

According to www.nextgreencar.com, the electric car market is growing quickly, with more than 164,100 pure-electric cars on UK roads at the end of September 2020 - and over 373,600 plug-in models including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The most recent set of figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that pure-electric models accounted for 6.7% of total new car registrations, whilst adding in PHEVs takes that figure up to 10.5%.

September's figures saw a 184% increase in pure-electric registrations compared to the previous year, and PHEVs grew 139%. That's compared to hybrids (+56%), petrol (-21), and diesel (-38%), with an overall decline of -4%. As demand for these cars grow, labour market intelligence from the sector highlights key skills gaps and shortages.  There’s a big demand for technicians to be able to service and maintain these vehicles as the technology is different to that of a traditional engine.

With support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Hartlepool College of FE has created an electric vehicle maintenance area which is fitted with the latest and state-of-the-art technology.  Students work on Nissan Leaf cars to help them develop the knowledge and skills to meet the sector’s skills demands.

Darren Hankey, the College’s Principal states, “we’re constantly scanning the environment to see where the latest developments are in a number of industry sectors.  We knew about the rise in electric vehicle purchases in recent years and that there were issues with knowledge and skills in this sector.  The investment from the Combined Authority allowed us to invest in this area to ensure our students are prepared for the future.”