Aftermarket September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022 AFTERMARKET 73 www.aftermarketonline.net TRAINING Q1 2022 saw the highest ever increase in the number of EV-qualified technicians for a single three-month period, according to figures collated by the IMI, with the expected shortfall between the number of EVs, and the number of qualified techs now not expected until 2028, instead of 2026. IMI CEO Steve Nash said: “The promising increase in technicians who have taken EV qualifications so far this year, which in turn makes them eligible to obtain IMI TechSafe recognition, is extremely encouraging. “2021 ended with 11% of technicians being EV qualified. At the end of March 2022, the dial had moved to 13%, representing over 28,000 technicians across the UK - it’s a real sign that the sector is responding to the increasing adoption of EV motoring. What’s more, early indications are that figures for Quarter 2 will set another new record, which is great news for the industry and for the increasing number of EV drivers.” Technicians who have fulfilled the requirements of the IMI TechSafe standards - endorsed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) - can join the IMI’s Professional Register. Steve added: “For technicians who have the relevant qualification, the IMI’s Professional Register is also a valuable tool to reach a wider customer base. For those with IMI TechSafe recognition, it will help them attract EV owners as potential long-term customers.” EV-ready technician numbers rise Delphi: Security gateway training Delphi Technologies Aftermarket is looking to remind technicians about the security gateway training it has added to the slate at the Delphi Technologies Academy. Manufacturers are now using a security gateway (SGW) which communicates with all other ECUs in the vehicle. The VM needs to grant special access on a security gateway-equipped vehicle. The training takes viewers through the steps to access to the security gateway, and also demonstrates how to obtain a security token which can then be used with older OBD tools. The course is comprised up of a series of security gateway explanation videos. Successful participants who finish the course also get 0.8 IMI CPD credits. For more information, visit: https://academy.delphiautop arts.com Cars seized by the Police that were set to be scrapped have been given a second lease of life as part of a school programme intended to help troubled teens and pre- teens. Recycling and waste management business Recycling Lives has teamed up with Merseyside Police and the AA to donate the cars to the programme at Co-op Academy Bebington on the Wirral. The initiative aims to support 11-18 year- olds deemed to be at risk of permanent exclusion or exploitation by organised crime groups to learn all aspects of car repairs. James Hadley, Managing Director Automotive, Recycling Lives, said: “The new unit will give youngsters the chance to learn meaningful skills and serve as a helping hand into further education or employment, which in turn provides positive social economic impact.” Paul Hart, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Co- op Academy Bebington, observed: “My dream is to open apprenticeship doors for the future, and to create meaningful opportunities for them all - and through this partnership and our shared values and vision, I am confident we will.” Dave Carson, Contractor Scheme Manager, The AA, added: “Our partnership with Co-op Academy Bebington is something that we are hugely passionate about. Not only is it keeping local kids at risk of going down the wrong path engaged in school and giving them a purpose, but it’s also addressing a massive skills shortage across the industry by getting young people into the motor industry.” Seized cars swerve scrapheap to help teens