Blackburn College has been chosen to be one of the first in the country to pilot a new hydrogen vehicle qualification with the Institute of the Motor Industry, as it continues to lead the region in sustainable vehicle training.
Blackburn College, which opened its state-of-the-art Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) centre in 2022, is piloting Level 2 and 3 hydrogen vehicle awareness qualifications aimed at those already working in the industry.
Both qualifications will ensure that the region’s motor industry is equipped with the skills and resources to work with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology, which is anticipated to sit alongside electric as an alternative green choice for drivers as we move towards reducing vehicle emissions.
Advanced automotive technical trainer at Blackburn College, Michael Yerbury, said: “The Institute of the Motor Industry is predicting there will be 90,000 automotive technicians trained by 2023, increasing to 111,000 by 2032.
“The government’s target to ban the production of petrol and diesel cars by 2035 means that we need to be prepared with the skills to manufacture and maintain these new technologies.
"Training now will only work in your favour.”
Level 2 is designed for those who may encounter hydrogen vehicles and require safety awareness, while Level 3 builds on this to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to safely carry out the removal and replacement of components in FCEV systems.
Training will take place on-site at the College’s HEAT centre, with the use of its fully interactive Toyota Mirai training rig which was installed with funding from the Department for Education to support the motor industry to get ahead with upskilling, while ensuring the next generation of its workforce has exposure to cutting edge technologies that will equip them with the level of skills required to service the drivers and fleets of tomorrow.
Dr Fazal Dad, principal and chief executive of Blackburn College, said: “We’re honoured to be chosen by the IMI to lead the nation’s drive towards zero-emission automobiles.
"There are plentiful opportunities, specialist teaching teams and skilled support staff at the college to help upskill technicians and introduce new learners to the world of automotive.”
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