Electric vehicle (EV) mechanics across East Ayrshire are to benefit from a new vocation training programme.
To address the skills shortage faced by the sector, the pilot project will see training sessions delivered to residents in Cumnock and Doon Valley, supporting the Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) project’s aims of meeting local upskilling needs.
The scheme is backed by Growth Deal funding for the CoRE project, as well as £61,000 from the Transport Scotland HGV Challenge Fund.
According to East Ayrshire Council, the first session was delivered with local company Emergency One in Cumnock and enabled participants to acquire accredited EV qualifications.
Future sessions are expected to assist up to 30 further mechanics in achieving sustainable transport sector-based skills and qualifications.
Ayrshire College will also be participating in the scheme to equip students from Robert Burns and Doon Academy with introductory skills on hydrogen and EV engineering as part of the project’s vocational schools component.
Cllr Iain Linton, East Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Resources and Economy, said: ‘One of the main aims of Ayrshire Growth Deal is to boost employment prospects for local people and this CoRE project does just that.
‘This training programme will address skills shortages in EV and Hydrogen automotive technologies and will create a sustainable, multi-year skills pipeline linked directly to local labour market needs.’
He explained that the programme boosts employment and career progression opportunities for young people and mechanics in East Ayrshire, while accommodating a rising demand for sustainable transport.
Steven Bell, Managing Director at Emergency One, added: ‘By opening our doors to local mechanics and students, we’re helping to build a pipeline of talent that will support both our business and the wider automotive sector across Ayrshire.’
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Photo: © East Ayrshire Council.
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