Leading the Charge: A Bespoke EV Training Partnership for Veolia’s Workforce

Recognising the importance of proper training and accreditation, Veolia partnered with Autotech Training and Dennis Eagle to deliver a comprehensive, tailored program. This IMI-accredited course ensures that technicians receive the necessary skills, progressing through IMI Levels 2 and 3 Heavy Vehicle Electric/Hybrid training, along with specialised eCollect training from Dennis Eagle.

We caught up with Alistair McCrindle, Operations Director, at Autotech Training to understand the importance of having the right training and what this partnership means.

Can you explain a bit about your role and Autotech as a company?

As Operations Director at Autotech Training, I oversee the daily operations of our training courses, which are conducted both at our Milton Keynes headquarters and on-site across various locations in the UK and internationally. Since joining Autotech Training last year, I've worked to create and implement new course content, collaborating with awarding bodies to support organisations as mobility continues to evolve with alternative fuel and vehicle technology being introduced.

Through my background in both the automotive aftermarket and education sectors, I've been able to contribute to the growth of Autotech Training, a division of Autotech Group established in 2016. My experience working with the IMI has been invaluable in developing accredited courses that upskill professionals with the technical and non-technical skills needed as the industry evolves.

Can you talk to us about our partnership and how this training programme was created to support Veolia with its fleet of electric vehicles?

In collaboration with Dennis Eagle and Veolia, we developed and launched a pioneering UK-approved technician training scheme for electric vehicles. Veolia's operations, which include over 200 electric vehicles, required a comprehensive training program to equip technicians with the skills to safely handle high-voltage systems.

Our award-winning program, recognised by the IMI and health and safety executive, includes a three-stage course with IMI Levels 2 and 3 Heavy Vehicle Electric/Hybrid training, plus Dennis Eagle’s eCollect training. This initiative not only meets current training demands but aligns with Veolia’s goal to transition from combustion to electric vehicle maintenance.

Do you have any specific customer testimonials highlighting their experience with your product/service?

Rob MacIntosh, Head of Fleet at London Ambulance Service,

"The next generation of emergency vehicles, which comply with London's ultra-low emission zone and support the 2030 zero-emission goal, are coming through, and it is important our workshop managers are prepared. We approached Autotech Training to develop a Management Development Programme to empower our managers for this pivotal transition."

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and MD of The Motor Ombudsman,

"Despite rising complaints about electric vehicles, the figure remains low relative to the number of EVs on the road, indicating positive experiences for most owners. Training case handlers with Autotech Training has been crucial in reducing complaints and providing valuable advice."

We recently won the Motor Transport Partnership Award, can you share what this achievement means to you and how it impacts our collaboration moving forward?

Winning the Partnership Award is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative training solutions that evolve with the automotive industry. Our collaboration with Veolia and Dennis Eagle led to a pioneering IMI-accredited program that equips technicians to manage electric and hybrid vehicle systems safely and efficiently. This accolade highlights the strength of our collaboration, and the dedication of the Autotech Training team while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation in training.

Pallet Track CEO Stuart Godman presents the trophies to Veolia UKI Fleet Director, Gary Clark, Dennis Eagle UK's Mobile Technical Trainer, Keith Thomson, and Autotech Training Head of Operations, Alistair McCrindle.