Employment Minister Mims Davies MP visited a new training centre at City of Wolverhampton College last week (January 27). which is giving local people the specialist skills needed to work on electric vehicles.
The Electric Vehicle and Green Technologies Training Centre – which is teaching local people the specialist skills needed to work on electric vehicles – has been developed in partnership with Duplex Business Services, with funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
The aim is for 720 residents to be trained across all levels over 18 months, as the need for skilled electric vehicle mechanics is expected to grow significantly in the run-up to the Government’s ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.
The Minister was joined on the visit by Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson, as well as Louise Fall, deputy principal at the college and Andy Moore from Duplex Business Services, and spoke to some of the students who are learning about electric vehicles through a Sector-based Work Academy Programme, and got to see some of their work in action.
All those who complete the training will be supported into work through the Wolves at Work partnership between City of Wolverhampton Council, the Department for Work and Pensions, employers and training and skills providers, as well as via Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service.
Employment Minister Mims Davies said: “I was delighted to visit Wolverhampton College’s brilliant, and vital, new electric vehicle training centre with the local MP Jane Stevenson, where our DWP Sector-based-work academy is supporting jobseekers on their way to work, and into green jobs, which are vital for our economic recovery as we build back better, and greener.
“We’re delivering for jobseekers in Wolverhampton, and it is great to see how our DWP Jobcentres are connecting people with the new skills they need to land a job, or a better paid role, in a joint effort with the local council, the Combined Authority and in partnership with Duplex Business Services.”
Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, said: “It was great to join the Employment Minister in visiting this fantastic electric vehicle centre where local people can gain the skills they need in the growing sectors of the future, such as green technologies.
“I want to thank City of Wolverhampton College and the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street for establishing the centre in partnership with Duplex Business Services. This will make a massive difference to people in Wolverhampton looking to learn new skills and take advantage of the opportunities that new and emerging sectors offer.”
Louise Fall, deputy principal at the college said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Employment and Jane Stevenson MP to talk to students at our new purpose-built Electric Vehicle and Green Technologies Centre. The centre is set to offer local residents the opportunity to gain the highest recognised qualification in electric vehicle maintenance, providing rewarding career pathways and addressing a vital skills gap in supporting the region in achieving its zero-carbon target by 2041.”
