Military veterans get jobs boost as Mission Motorsport secures EV training approval

Ex-service personnel trying to secure a job in the automotive sector have been given a boost with news that the retraining arm of Mission Motorsport has been approved as an EV maintenance instructor.

Mission Automotive, which provides training in the automotive industry to former military staff, has secured Electric Vehicle Training Centre approval from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which means it is qualified to train applicants in how to service and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.

With EVs and hybrids an ever-growing part of the motoring landscape and an expected ban on all new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, car technicians increasingly need to be qualified to work on high-voltage systems.

James Cameron, CEO and founder of Mission Motorsport explained: “Many forces personnel have extensive experience in handling high-voltage equipment; it’s just part of the day job. It makes perfect sense to reapply this experience in the automotive sector which is currently facing a shortage of experienced and qualified technicians to work on electric vehicles.

The high-voltage components of EVs and hybrids require special training to maintain safely (Photo: Shutterstock)

“Working in collaboration and using expertise from both Mission Motorsport and the IMI, we have identified a win-win opportunity that responds to the automotive sector’s need for skilled staff qualified in working with high voltages. The IMI TechSafe recognition provides a real door-opener for talented services leavers and veterans who are looking to transition to new careers.

“With more than 14,000 service leavers looking for new opportunities every year – and already having assisted more than 2,000 individuals into automotive careers in the last five years, we know that we will be able to provide a supported pathway for veterans to access genuine employment opportunities – as well as filling a very real skills gap for automotive employers.”

Mission Automotive is the training arm of the Mission Motorsport charity, which was set up to engage ex-Forces personnel in motorsport as a recovery activity.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI congratulated Mission Automotive on achieving accreditation and added: “Despite the current challenges in the market, the automotive sector must be ready for the zero emission targets being set – and that means there will continue to be a focus on those who have the capabilities to work on high voltage vehicles. With IMI TechSafe accreditation, ex-services personnel give the automotive sector a real opportunity to get ahead of the game, addressing one of the big recruitment challenges it faces.”

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