College to train emergency service technicians

The training will allow emergency services technicians to work safely on their own fleet as they continue to transition from fossil-fuelled to electric, battery-powered vehicles.

With an increasing number of electric vehicles, the Emergency Services have each pledged to reduce their carbon footprint every year until 2030 with the long-term goal to be carbon neutral by 2045.

The Emergency Electric Vehicle training course, run in partnership at Dundee firm Robert Lawson and Sons, is predicted to involve around 100 participants across the fire, ambulance and police services in the next year.

The training will cover levels 2 and 3 of the electric/hybrid qualifications covering routine maintenance and vehicle system repair and replacement, all of which are crucial to maintain the vital emergency services fleet.

Scott Roberts, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services national fleet manager, said: “SFRS currently run a fleet of 970 light vehicles below 2500kgs. This is made up of 172 full electric vehicles and six hybrid vehicles currently making up 18.2% light fleet with the target of being 100% by 2025.

“SFRS along with D&A College have tailored specific training courses for the three primary Scottish Emergency Services and embarked on upskilling its technical and maintenance staff groups to meet these requirements.

"This includes managers, supervisors and workshop technical staff to meet IMI accreditation in levels 2 and 3 which will allow seamless transition of fleets to EV technologies.”

Caryn Gibson, Business Partnership Manager, Dundee and Angus College, added: “Working alongside industry not only enables us to upskill their team, but also ensure that we can tailor the offering to their specific needs and stay at the forefront of innovation.

"Since its launch in April the Electric Vehicle Training School has been a hive of activity with over 200 students expected to complete their qualifications by the end of 2022, helping us support businesses as they aim to achieve Net Zero targets.”

“Our goal is to ensure that Dundee and Angus College plays a key role in supporting businesses going through the sometimes daunting energy transition providing education and hands-on training across a variety of areas including carbon accounting, electrical vehicle training and air source heat pumps.”

For more information, visit Electric / Hybrid Vehicle training at D&A College (dundeeandangus.ac.uk) ,