Apprentice mechanics receive awards for electric training
AMID the shift from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles, motor vehicle apprentice students at the Guernsey Institute are being taught new skills to add to their tool belts.
Training could also soon be rolled out to garages across the island.
Annual awards sponsored by Guernsey Motor Trade Association members were presented to a student from each year group in recognition of their progress, and lecturer Ian Tulie said last year saw the introduction of some electric and hybrid theory to the course, including safety precautions for working with high voltage.
‘At the moment it’s an add-on unit to the apprenticeship,’ he said.
‘Once you get to know the system, there’s nothing really new about the mechanics with the new cars.’
GMTA president Robert Cornelius said it was great electric vehicle training was being offered alongside older practices too.
‘The industry is going through a massive change at the moment.
‘We are still going to need to know the current repair practice, but as motoring evolves on to an electrified future, they are going to need to learn new skills.’
As part of the four-year apprenticeship, students attend college once a week for off-the-job training while working at local garages and dealerships. Trophies and £100 tool vouchers provided by Guernsey Auto Electric, Paul’s Motors, Rabey’s, and Doyle’s were presented to four students.
Mr Tulie said: ‘I think from our point of view it’s a very valuable thing to do to recognise the progress of students.’
The first year prize was achieved by Luke Winstanley, second year prize to Jonny Woolston, third year to Ryan Gill, and fourth year to Tom Radford.
‘The course was really good and up to date,’ said Mr Radford, who has now finished the course and works at Freelance Guernsey.
Mr Woolston said he had began to deal with electric cars where he works at Forest Road Garage, and thought it was a good idea for electric vehicle training to be provided.
‘It will be good because as more and more models come out and we move away from petrol and diesel, electric cars are what there’s going to be.’
Mr Gill, from TrustFord Guernsey, added: ‘It was hard to get my head around it at first but it’s fine now.’
