As the automotive sector is a rapidly expanding industry, there are many opportunities for people to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the market.
It can be necessary to have accredited training in a relevant field.
Automotive courses are available to study across the UK, with many training providers like MTC that specialise in offering automotive courses.
Alternative funding/financing are available, but this all depends on the degree of certification being sought.
Employers may sometimes receive assistance for their employees but particularly if they provide their employees with training themselves.
There are a few Funding schemes available for automotive training courses in the UK.
Students with BTEC qualifications, A levels and GCSEs may receive financial assistance to pursue Automotive Training courses.
Funding is usually based on means testing (financial status).
Therefore whether you are eligible for funding will depend on your financial background.
These here are just a few, and there might be more types of funding available that we don’t know about yet.
Employer Funding
There are finance schemes available to help employers invest in their employees’ training.
This is particularly relevant for people who would like to pursue an automotive training course, or any other type of course.
As a result, this will improve their skills and therefore be beneficial to the business.
It can also allow employers to establish a talent pool, who they can then draw on in future.
Employers frequently finance a portion of their employees’ education; they typically pay 75% of the tuition fee.
Grants and Bursaries For Adult Learners
The UK has a number of schemes that can help finance your course. Whether you’re taking a training course as an individual or as part of a group.
The Adult Skills Funding Agency (ASFA), is the government body who are responsible for managing this money.
As long as you satisfy the eligibility criteria, which includes not earning more than £15,600 per year (after deductions), then you might qualify for one of these grants and bursaries.
The National Skills Fund
The National Skills Fund is the main finance option for individuals in the UK to finance their training course.
It has a number of finance schemes available including interest free loans and grants.
This fund launched in England in April 2021, the fund allocated £2.5 billion to help eligible adult learners access government funded level 3 courses.
All funding applications can be submitted online at any time.
It is advised, that all applications should be submitted 6 months prior to the start date of the relevant course, because this can take time to be processed.
You can find more information on the UK Government Website.
Have you been refused funding?
Every single individual person has their own unique situation, and the first place to look for help is within yourself.
Funding a course can be difficult especially if you are on a low income.
There are many different avenues that you can explore to find ways of making your dreams come true.
Been refused finance? Then don’t just give up!
There may be more opportunities out there, that may not have been explored to its full potential yet.
Funding schemes do change depending on what area you live in.
It’s always worth checking with companies who specifically specialise in funding qualifications, just in case of any changes.
Please Note: Funding options, deadlines and regulations can change throughout the year.
It is advisable, to check with your institution before applying!
Training providers have different policies regarding funding applications and deadlines.
Prior to applying for any funding, check directly with the different providers.
Hybrid & Electrical Vehicle Training
The UK is currently experiencing a HUGE surge in interest in Hybrid and Electrical Vehicles.
Without doubt, this has brought forth an increase demand for technicians with the correct knowledge and experience required to keep these cars on the road.
It is anticipated that, in the near future, Level 3 will be the minimum requirement.
Best practice dictates that each technical staff member should be qualified to at least level 2 (service technician).
Diagnostic technicians should be qualified to at least a level 3 (for fault diagnosis and removal, test and refit of high voltage systems).
Furthermore, the senior technician/foreman should be qualified to level 4.
The main duty of care as a business owner is the implications or liabilities. If inadequate training for these systems isn’t provided for employees.
What courses are available?
Level 1 Hybrid & Electrical Vehicle Training – Raising Awareness
Level 2 Hybrid Electric Light Vehicles – (Scooters and mopeds)
Hybrid Electric Busses Training – Level 2
Hybrid Electric HGV’s Training – Level 2
Level 3 Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Training (Cars)
Who can take the course?
The Level 1 Hybrid and Electric Training Course, is to raise awareness of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. This course is aimed at anyone that may come into contact with Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, for example; reception staff.
Level 2 Hybrid and Electric Light Vehicle Training Course, Level 2 HGV Training Course and Level 2 Buses Training Course. The Level 2 course is aimed at mechanics and car valeters.
The Level 3 Hybrid and Electric Training Course, is aimed at technicians and mechanics.
