The UK’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, but technician training is lagging behind, according to new industry figures.
The skills gap is particularly acute in rural areas like Cumbria, where access to training remains limited, according to a firm in the industry.
As of early 2025, 26 per cent of UK automotive technicians are qualified to work on EVs, and without an increase in retraining, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) projects a shortfall of nearly 30,000 EV-trained technicians by 2035.
In response to the growing demand, new EV and Hybrid Skills Bootcamps are now being offered in Cumbria, funded and subsidised by UK taxpayers via the Department for Education (DfE).
Lee Fogg, director at 3D 360, said: "The industry is crying out for more EV technicians, and we’ve built the new Whitehaven Skills Centre specifically to meet that need in Cumbria.
"This is practical, accredited training designed for technicians, not theory in a classroom, it’s about getting people confident, safe, competent and earning from EV work straight away."
The eight-day, 'hands-on' courses are accredited by the IMI and provide 60 hours of training across Levels 2, 3 and 4, covering a range of topics from basic EV awareness to high-voltage diagnostics and servicing.
Upon completion, participants gain an official entry route into IMI TechSafe recognition and the IMI Professional Register, earning both formal industry recognition and skills.
The bootcamps are being offered free for unemployed or self-employed individuals in Cumbria, while small businesses with fewer than 250 employees pay £396 per participant.
Large businesses are charged £1,188 per participant.
Training is delivered at 3D 360’s new Skills Academy in Whitehaven.
Mr Fogg said: "This is practical, accredited training designed for technicians, not theory in a classroom, it’s about getting people confident, safe, competent and earning from EV work straight away."
The IMI warns that technician capacity could become a major bottleneck, even as EVs account for more than one in five new car sales and the UK moves closer to its zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets.
Apprenticeship numbers are rising, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reporting a 16 per cent increase in planned placements and more than £20 billion invested in the EV transition over the past two years.
Regarding the bootcamp, a spokesperson for 3D 360 said: "It’s a timely opportunity for Cumbria businesses to invest in individual career progression and business growth by gaining the skills needed now to succeed in the rapidly expanding EV sector."
For more information or to register for the EV Skills Bootcamp, visit the 3D 360 website at www.3d360printer.co.uk/training,courses/electric,vehicles,skills,bootcamp.
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