Training for electric vehicles is not yet regulated by the Government.
However, employers are liable if untrained employees are injured while working on high-voltage vehicles. We support the IMI’s TechSafe™ standard which is officially endorsed by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). As electric and hybrid sales increase, the TechSafe™ standard is set to drive up confidence within the industry.
IMI TechSafe™ is professional recognition within the IMI Professional Register. It identifies a member’s professionalism and safe working practice in the field of electric vehicles (EV) and other safety-critical vehicle systems such as Autonomous or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). As well as proof of competence through the achievement of nationally recognised qualifications or IMI accreditations, having IMI TechSafe recognition means that the member keeps up to date through mandatory requirements for continuous professional development (CPD). These CPD requirements are decided and agreed upon by an IMI industry Sector Advisory Group and are reviewed on a regular basis.
So, what are the benefits of being on the TechSafe™ Register?
For the employer
Employers have a responsibility and duty of care to ensure their staff are competent to work on electric vehicles (EV) and that they meet the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The repair of damaged electric vehicles and those with ADAS is covered within the British Standard, BS10125. Most insurance companies (work providers) support this by only giving work to businesses that meet the standard. Vehicle manufacturers set out repair methods and processes from a servicing and maintenance point of view as well as for the repair of damaged vehicles. These must be followed to ensure their own safety, the safety/roadworthiness of the vehicle as well as the safety of the driver and other road users or pedestrians.
For the employee
IMI TechSafe recognition gives you the ability to easily demonstrate to colleagues, customers and professionals that you’re fully qualified to be working on EV vehicles and/or vehicles with ADAS technologies. It is also seen as a badge of honour for those in the sector who hold it and can lead to your increased employability as employers are searching for EV technicians to join their work force. You may even be able to demand a higher salary – the IMI’s analysis of salary data for 2020 shows an earning premium of more than 10% – £3,700 per annum – for EV qualified vehicle technicians*.
*IMI analysis of salary data for 2020 shows an earning premium of more than 10% for EV qualified vehicle technicians. The average advertised salary for vehicle technicians which requests electric vehicle skills is £33,500. This is £3,700 more than vehicle technician job advertisements which don’t request electric vehicle skills.
Becoming TechSafe-recognised is simple: just complete IMI-accredited EV training courses to improve your EV expertise. Once you have reached a suitable level of qualification, you can join the IMI membership community and enrol on the IMI’s Professional Register to gain TechSafe recognition.
Please remember that becoming TechSafe recognised includes a commitment to CPD requirements, which are updated every three years.
Please click to find out about our range of IMI Accredited EV/Hybrid Courses.