Honda, Toyota and BMW have come together with the Institute of Motor Industry’s (IMI) awarding body, IMI Awards, to develop a definitive qualification for motor mechanics for maintaining hybrid technology cars.
Hybrid cars use unique technology which represents a different challenge to car mechanics and technicians. Unlike conventional cars, hybrids have a battery system which is central in the car’s operation. As such the battery and other components needs careful and knowledgable maintainance.
In collaboration and under the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), the carmakers and IMI have developed both skills- and knowledge-based qualifications. The skills-based qualification, a Level 3 Award in Automotive Internal Combustion and Electric Hybrid System Repair and Replacement, will be offered to mechanics across the car manufacturing industry, at the Honda Institute. The knowledge-based qualification, a Level 2 Award in Automotive Internal Combustion and Electric Hybrid Technology Components and Operation, will be offered across the country by colleges and other learning providers.
Eliot Smith, technical training coordinator at the Honda Institute, says:” I believe I speak for the industry as well as Honda when I say that this not only benefits learners but it is also the responsible thing to do in terms of end-user safety and awareness. Independent car mechanics can also gain a nationally recognised qualification and therefore assure motorists that they are servicing a hybrid car correctly and safely.”
Beverley Lilley, IMI development manger for automotive skills, says:”Our organisation is very grateful for Honda spearheading this and the support we have received from the QCDA. We have recognised that this is a skills challenge across the industry and welcome Toyota and BMW’s input to this process.
“Our job has been to assist these manufacturers in developing the qualifications for the QCF and ensuring they meet the rigorous standards set by the regulator, Ofqual.”
A lot of hard work used to go unrecognised and now, crucially, many technicians- who may have no formal qualifications since leaving school – gain increasing motivation and confidence. As well as helping to increase the skill level of the UK workforce, it makes progressive steps towards further learning and empathy of environmental concerns.
Further education colleges can insert the Level 2 unit into wider automotive qualifications and apprenticeships that they already offer, making full use of the flexibilities of the QCF.
Brian Squires, Automotive Assessor/Trainer for Petroc (formally known as North Devon College of Further Education), says: “I found the learning fascinating and so will my students along with our local employers. Like any new technology, ignorance can cause problems, part of my remit is to engage with local independent garages and inform them of developments in the Motor Trade. I can now pass on simple preventative/safety measures to follow when working on vehicles equipped with hybrid technology.”
Not only do apprentices benefit but the Honda Institute takes on training for emergency service staff too. Police crash investigators have realised that they need to be up to speed on hybrid technology. This kind of flexibility is crucial for today’s fast-pace progression in technology and the social and economic implications that causes. Hybrid technology cars will continue to grow in number, with manufacturers set to launch a range of new models.
There are real financial gains that a quality technician can offer a dealership. Early and correct diagnosis of faults can create significant cost savings. A highly skilled mechanic is far more likely to add that value.
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