Date
08 November 2021
Caption: Visitors looking at a demonstration of equipment by teacher of a machine
The successful decarbonisation of road transport depends on ‘winning the hearts of minds’ of those who work within the automotive sector according to a training specialist speaking ahead of a masterclass on electric vehicles to be held at the MIRA Technology Institute.
Andy Powdrill, technical safety advisor and training delivery specialist from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) will discuss how organisations across the automotive supply chain are embracing new ways of working, whether they are producers of electric vehicles, or involved in their sale, transportation, recovery, maintenance, servicing, or repair.
Andy said, “The commitments made at COP26 to the clean technology agenda are forcing everyone who works in the sector to approach familiar tasks and work schedules in a completely new way. Every workplace has a duty of care to maintain high standards of risk controls and ensure a safe place of work with safe plant and equipment. This is challenging because the technology is still relatively new, and much of the workforce is getting to grips with new types of risk within a high voltage electrical environment.
“As electric vehicles become mainstream, every operator within the sector will need some level of awareness and understanding of the technology, from dealerships extolling the benefits of making the switch from petrol and diesel to logistics operators delivering electric vehicles to their point of use, and businesses offering EVs as company cars. Within the next five years, the EV service, repair and maintenance sector is set to grow, so workshop teams need to be start preparing now so that they have the expertise, knowledge and qualifications to handle demand professionally and safely.”
The MIRA Technology Institute, which was set up two years ago to help address and support the training challenges facing the automotive sector, is opening its doors on Tuesday 16 November 2021 (5pm – 7pm) to host the NWSLC masterclass in electric vehicle safety that will include demonstrations and practical activities.
Andy Powdrill is a nationally recognised expert within the electric vehicle (EV) arena and has over 25 years’ experience in advising on the provision of safe workplaces, safe plant and equipment including technical compliance, behavioural research and development, and the implementation of quality standard requirements.
At the masterclass, delegates will be able to:
Andy added, “By 2030, the UK government aims to see an end to sales of petrol and diesel vehicles, achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as part of the Green Industrial Revolution plan. This is a stretching ambition within eight years and will require all aspects of the industry to take a fresh look at the way it operates, particularly in respect of safety.
“NWSLC is offering a suite of short courses accredited by IMI that will help individuals to become more comfortable with the technology, whether they are working in a production environment, the sales arena or the after-market. My session will include an overview of the course options which start with simple awareness and move on to diagnostic and repair topics. The masterclass is open to all those who work with electric vehicles at any level including those who are renewing their fleet.”
Lisa Bingley, MTI Director of Operations said, “We are looking forward to hearing from Andy at this masterclass and we hope that delegates will find that his session provides some useful insights into how electric vehicles are changing the shape of the sector.”
The MTI is the result of a unique collaboration led by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, and its partners, HORIBA MIRA, Coventry University, the University of Leicester, and Loughborough University. It is helping to create specialist skills in some of the new emerging technology areas including electrification and driverless cars. Since it first opened its doors, the MTI has welcomed over 12,000 students and delegates. This includes over 800 studying for accredited qualifications from a Level 1 Institute of the Motor Industry certificate up to Masters’ degrees, and over 360 following apprenticeships at all levels. More than 8,000 automotive professionals have taken part in professional development activities.
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Chair of the MTI Operations Board, and Principal and Chief Executive North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College said, “We understand that there are seismic changes happening within the automotive sector and we urge all these working within the industry to attend this event and get an insight into how they can adapt.”
For more details on the electric vehicle masterclass and to book your free place please follow this link. IMI short courses at the MTI can be accessed via mti.ac.uk
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