Derby: National hub to train 1,500 car technicians a year

A new national centre that aims to train 1,500 car technicians each year has opened in Derby.

Car maker Kia has moved its academy to a 40,000 sq ft purpose-built site at St. Modwen business park.

Apprentices and established technicians who need to improve their skills will travel from across the country to focus on new electric and hybrid models.

Kate McLaren, from Kia UK, said: "We are really excited to be here... we hope learners come in and go 'wow'."

The Institute of the Motor Industry warned in 2021 of a "huge shortfall" of mechanics trained to work on Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2030.

Its research suggests there will be 35,700 fewer technicians than required by the end of the decade if current training rates do not increase.

Kia UK said the Derby centre was a "commitment to supporting STEM education, electrification and building a workforce for the future".

Apprentice Balazs Bekesi, 19, has travelled to Derby from Cornwall to take part in the training, which happens during different weeks in the year.

"[My training] is exactly what I was expecting to be honest - there's an amazing amount of support," he said.

Kate McLaren, general manager at Kia UK, said the centre was focused on both mechanical and electrical training for apprentices and technicians who needed extra skills.

"We are hoping to take people through the basics of electrification because that for us is the future - the whole [industry] has changed," she said.

"It is important we equip our technicians to be able to work on these cars."

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