Partner Article

Building electric vehicles talent

AS THE North East looks to become the epicentre for electric vehicle technology, one of its key players has launched the first ever apprenticeship dedicated to their production.

Smith Electric Vehicles, based in Washington, has introduced the four-year course, which will see young people combine workplace training at the Tyne and Wear headquarters with education at Gateshead College.

Geoff Allison, managing director, said: “If Britain is going to become a world leader in the production of electric vehicles, we have to start training the next workforce generation now.

“Smith Electric Vehicles has always invested in apprentices, but we are particularly proud to be leading the way in the development of the specialised skills our young people will need in the low carbon economy.”

The nationally recognised course will see learners completing a Level 3 framework, the equivalent to three A Levels.

SEV has said apprentices will gain work-based knowledge and skills through an NVQ Level 3 in Engineered Systems and a City and Guilds Level 3 in Engineering.

They will then have the opportunity to progress onto a Foundation Degree in Engineering, Maintenance Operations or Electric Vehicles.

Mick Brophy, managing director for Business, Innovation and Development at Gateshead College, added: “It’s estimated that by 2020 they’ll be up to 400,000 new ‘green’ jobs in the UK.

“By identifying, developing and delivering specialist training in these emerging green technologies, we’re at the forefront of being able to successfully equip the region’s workforce with the skills they need to meet this demand.

“In Smith, we have found a partner with real foresight. Together we are creating a course that can be a blueprint for low carbon vehicle training across the UK.”

As part of the partnership, the Washington firm is donating vehicle chassis and components to Gateshead College, worth in excess of £100,000.

They will also provide a dedicated mentor on site and Gateshead College will reciprocate with a single lead engineer conducting all classroom training.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .