Autotech Training throws support behind HGV sector with extended range of courses

Date: Friday 15 July 2022

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In a direct response to the heavy goods vehicle technical skills crisis, Autotech Training has, for the first time, extended its offering to include the HGV sector.

The move follows reports that the sector, already suffering from recruitment issues, is also witnessing a technical skills shortage which goes beyond HGV drivers. A lack of vital roles including skilled mechanics and technicians, coupled with the fast paced adoption of new vehicle technologies is contributing to the widening skills shortage and, unless training and upskilling measures are swiftly implemented, there will be further supply chain disruption as a consequence

Autotech Training have now added six courses to its portfolio which are dedicated to the HGV sector:

Electric Vehicle training
At the end of last year, the Government confirmed that all new heavy goods vehicles in the UK will be zero-emission by 2040. As a direct result, Autotech Training has increased its successful EV training course offering to support the HGV transition with the introduction of IMI Levels 1-3 Heavy Vehicle Electric/Hybrid Vehicle training courses.

Providing learners with an introduction to the knowledge of safe working practices, the dangers surrounding, and the precautions required to avoid potential injury when near electric/hybrid vehicles, the
Level 1 course is suitable for anyone who might come into contact with an EV during their day to day work, such as HGV drivers.

Level 2 has been designed to equip technicians with the knowledge and skills required to carry out operational and repair work on heavy electric/hybrid vehicles while Level 3 supports technicians who carry out operational and repair activities on HGV’s which may have a damaged high energy/electrical system.

Commercial Wheel Security
The fundamental issue of wheel detachment continues to be a major concern for the commercial vehicle industry. When a wheel becomes detached from a moving bus, coach, truck, or trailer, it can accelerate to 150 km/h – akin to an equivalent force of around ten tonnes.

The ‘Understanding Wheel Loss Prevention and Security course’ explains the reasons of why wheel loss occurs, the importance of wheel loss prevention and provides good practice measures to ensure the risks are minimised. The one day course, which is for anyone working within the HGV or PSV industry that has responsibility for maintaining vehicles, will protect an Operating licence.

IRTEC
Suitable for anyone who works as a passenger carrying vehicle technician, the two day IRTEC Bus and Coach Inspection Technician and IRTEC Large Commercial Vehicle Inspection Technician courses are an accreditation scheme that assesses the safety and competence of technicians who maintain and repair vehicles in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger carrying industries.

REACT
The REACT (Roadside Emergency Action Concerning Technicians) accreditation is designed to safeguard tyre technicians working roadside while attending a breakdown situation. Overseen by the NTDA, REACT licences are not only a recognition of competency for any technician who carries out roadside repairs, but the training to achieve the licence accreditation is designed to safeguard the technician while working in often dangerous conditions.

The two-day course is open to anyone, including non-NTDA members such as highway maintenance operators, breakdown and recovery operators who carry out any work activities on a live motorway, dual carriageway, and trunk road. The course incorporates pre-breakdown planning, how to approach a vehicle safely, emergency and roadside (including motorway) procedures.

Autotech Training can deliver all HGV courses on the premises of any business or garage in the UK.

“The success of Autotech Training is built upon our ability to identify training bottlenecks and create solutions to support the progression of the automotive industry,” comments Colin Gleghorn, Managing Director of Autotech Training. “The HGV sector is suffering from a major recruitment and skills shortage, and it is vital that people within this industry are able to access training to ensure that they not only have the relevant knowledge, but the ability to carry out their work safely.”

For further information on Autotech Training call 01234 240503 or visit www.autotechtraining.co.uk 

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