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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).

In collaboration they 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.

Eliot Smith, technical training coordinator at the Honda Institute, says:
"I believe I speak for the industry as well as Honda when I say that this not only benefits learners but it is also the responsible thing to do in terms of end-user safety and awareness. Independent car mechanics can also gain a nationally recognised qualification and therefore assure motorists that they are servicing a hybrid car correctly and safely."

Beverley Lilley, IMI development manger for automotive skills, says:
"Our organisation is very grateful for Honda spearheading this and the support we have received from the QCDA. We have recognised that this is a skills challenge across the industry and welcome Toyota and BMW's input to this process.

"Our job has been to assist these manufacturers in developing the qualifications for the QCF and ensuring they meet the rigorous standards set by the regulator, Ofqual."

A lot of hard work used to go unrecognised and now, crucially, many technicians - who may have no formal qualifications since leaving school – gain increasing motivation and confidence. As well as helping to increase the skill level of the UK workforce, it makes progressive steps towards further learning and empathy of environmental concerns.

Further education colleges can insert the Level 2 unit into wider automotive qualifications and apprenticeships that they already offer, making full use of the flexibilities of the QCF.

Brian Squires, Automotive Assessor/Trainer for Petroc (formally known as North Devon College of Further Education), says:
"I found the learning fascinating and so will my students along with our local employers. Like any new technology, ignorance can cause problems, part of my remit is to engage with local independent garages and inform them of developments in the Motor Trade. I can now pass on simple preventative/safety measures to follow when working on vehicles equipped with hybrid technology."

Not only do apprentices benefit but the Honda Institute takes on training for emergency service staff too. Police crash investigators have realised that they need to be up to speed on hybrid technology. This kind of flexibility is crucial for today's fast-pace progression in technology and the social and economic implications that causes. Hybrid technology cars will continue to grow in number, with manufacturers set to launch a range of new models.

There are real financial gains that a quality technician can offer a dealership. Early and correct diagnosis of faults can create significant cost savings. A highly skilled mechanic is far more likely to add that value."

Sue Densley, head of employment recognition at QCDA, says:
"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."

To find out more about the QCF go to www.qcda.gov.uk/qcf.



Notes to Editor

For further information or to commission a more detailed article on this case study contact Steven Brassey at the QCDA press office on 0207 509 5381 or email steven.brassey@qcda.gov.uk

About QCF

The QCF is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The framework is at the heart of a major reform of the qualifications system designed to make the whole system simpler to understand and use and more inclusive of qualifications from a wider range of providers. The overall intention is to make both the system and the qualifications offered far more relevant to the needs of employers and more flexible and accessible for learners.

For employers the QCF will:

• actively involve employers in deciding what training and education is needed for their industry's future
• let them get their in-house training recognised within a national framework
• be capable of being tailored to suit their company's needs – they can get single units of training recognised as well as whole qualifications
• enable them to join forces with other employers to create qualifications relevant to their sector
• help them quickly measure the level and size of achievements of prospective employees
• enable them to target their training at the needs of individual employees
• improve employee satisfaction, motivation and retention, and lead to better trained staff

About IMI

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. The Institute is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry, part of the Skills for Business network and also the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme. 
www.motor.org.uk

About QCDA

QCDA is the government agency for the development of curriculum, delivery of assessments and reform of qualifications. We work with the education, skills and business communities to develop effective and innovative ways to help children and adults to progress, achieve their full potential and to demonstrate that achievement to others.
www.qcda.gov.uk

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is currently operating certain of its non-regulatory functions under the name Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA). The legal entity remains QCA, established under the Education Act 1997. QCA is an exempted charity under the Charities Act 1993.