Honda, Toyota, and BMW have come together with the Institute of Motor Industry's (IMI) awarding body, IMI Awards, to develop the definitive qualification in maintaining hybrid technology cars under the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
The parties have developed both skills and knowledge based qualifications. The skills-based qualification, a Level 3 Award in Automotive Internal Combustion and Electric Hybrid System Repair and Replacement, will be offered to mechanics across the car manufacturing industry at the Honda Institute.
The knowledge-based qualification, a Level 2 Award in Automotive Internal Combustion and Electric Hybrid Technology Components and Operation, will be offered across the country by colleges and other learning providers. Further education colleges can insert the Level 2 unit into the wider automotive qualifications and apprenticeships that they already offer, making full use of the flexibilities of the QCF.
Sue Densley, head of employment recognition at Qualifications & Curriculum Development Agency, said: “These skills can help improve the competitiveness of the UK in challenging times and bolster the country’s position as a leading engineering force. We have worked closely with the IMI to realise the benefits of widely recognised national qualifications under this new framework, and hope that other professional and commercial organisations will see the benefits this approach can bring.”
Added Eliot Smith, technical training coordinator at the Honda Institute: “I believe I speak for the industry as well as Honda when I say that this not only benefits learners, but is the responsible thing to do in terms of end-user safety and awareness. Independent car mechanics can also gain a nationally recognised qualification, therefore assuring motorists that they are servicing a hybrid car correctly and safely.”
