College in driving seat for hydrogen-powered vehicle training
Blackburn College is the first Further Education centre in England to provide hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle training.
It is aimed at meeting the skills gap for motor industry professionals, future car mechanics, and the wider network.
The college has unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) training rig which will give its students, and the region’s wider automotive industry, practical, hands-on experience to further prepare them for the mass roll-out of alternatively fuelled vehicles.
The fully-interactive Toyota Mirai training rig from Block Automotive is the latest addition to the college’s state-of-the-art Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) facility, which opened in November 2022 as a dedicated centre to develop and deliver training to bridge skills gaps and meet the demands of greener vehicle technologies, including hybrid, electric and now hydrogen.
Although the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales in the UK has been extended to 2035, the motor industry is increasing development of alternatively fuelled vehicles to support the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuel.
Investment in the new facility has been funded by the Department for Education Skills Accelerator Development Fund Pilot.
In addition to providing hydrogen training as part of its post-16 existing Levels 1 to 4-course offering, the college will be working closely with the region’s SME garages, mechanics, dealerships, vehicle recovery and emergency services to offer dedicated training on servicing, repairing and, importantly, the safety aspects of working with hydrogen vehicles.
Dr Fazal Dad, college principal and chief executive, said: “This fantastic opportunity and investment further demonstrates the college’s commitment to the automotive industry across Lancashire to develop new knowledge and skills for the next generation of motor vehicle professionals.”
Michael Yerbury, advanced automotive technical trainer at HEAT, said: “While some might think this is years away from realisation, we’re seeing a huge push from car manufacturers on their net zero investments. This also includes hydrogen fuelling stations being installed on some of the UK’s major transport routes.”
