Newly qualified electric vehicle technicians in Liverpool city region can now secure a paid six to 12-month internship and a toolbox worth £1,000 in a new partnership. Tony McDonough reports

Hugh Baird College in Bootle has teamed up with training specialist Autotech Academy to offer opportunities for newly-qualified electric vehicle technicians.

This deal will enable the college to offer six or 12-month paid work placements. Every intern is vetted, interviewed, and equipped with a uniform and toolbox worth £1,000 before being placed with an automotive employer.

Leveraging the support of the Government’s Strategic Development Fund (SDF), to directly address the evolving skills needs of employers, Hugh Baird established electric vehicle courses and strengthened its EV learning infrastructure.

At the end of the Autotech Academy internship, the employer can take on the intern free of charge, or not.

Alongside sourcing and securing internship opportunities for qualifying Level 3 students, the Autotech Academy team will provide regular career talks and offer advice to automotive students.

Hugh Baird principal and chief executive, Rachael Hennigan, said: “Through our partnership with Autotech Academy, Hugh Baird College is proud to pave the way for the next generation of automotive experts.

“Our joint efforts ensure that newly qualified technicians are not only ready to meet the industry’s evolving demands, especially in the green sector, but also have a direct route into fulfilling careers.

“Together, we are bridging the gap between education and industry, fostering talent that is both highly skilled and future-ready.”

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The Autotech Academy internship offering also supports Hugh Baird College’s objective to retain automotive students from Level 1 through to Level 3 (Autotech Academy will only take on an intern if they have qualified with a Level 3).

This not only enhances the employability of Hugh Baird College graduates but also fosters a continuous and supportive learning journey within the automotive education framework.