A brand new Electric Vehicle (EV) training centre was launched at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) last week, which is set to benefit the local industry and college students.
Enterprise M3 LEP contributed £160,000 towards the £300,000 development of the EV and Hybrid Traning centre, which is the first of its kind in the South East. The new facility will help equip future mechanics and auto technicians, and retrain established mechanics, with the valuable skills they will need as the hybrid and electric vehicle market continues to increase.
More than 800 learners are expected to be supported across a three-year period and demonstrates a continuing commitment by EM3 to deliver funding to organisations which want to train local people in emerging technologies, providing an aspect of future-proofing to the workforce.
The state-of-the-art training systems consist of a hardware module and an e-learning course with practical training content including service, repair and diagnostic work, representing the ideal introduction to the subject of hybrid and electric vehicles.Maria Miller MP, who officially opened the new centre, said:
“It’s fantastic that Basingstoke has the first EV Centre in a technical college in Hampshire and the South East. This Centre means our young people here in Basingstoke have an excellent facility in which to start their careers.
There will no doubt be a shortage of skilled labour in the area following the impact of Covid and so it’s vital that BCoT continues to stay in close contact with industry so that they can provide the skills needed today and for the future.”
Principal Anthony Bravo added: “I am really proud to see the EV Training Centre in action today, it’s been the culmination of a long process from working alongside IMI in putting in the bid together, to receiving the funding from Enterprise M3 LEP, and finally getting the centre up and running over the summer."
Where
Address:
Worting Rd,
Basingstoke
RG21 8TN
United Kingdom
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
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