Top performing Auto Windscreens technician, Steve Abrahams, has become the first UK vehicle glass repairer to complete vital electric vehicle (EV) training units to gain new certification from GQA Qualifications, the awarding body for automotive glazing.

GQA is committed to providing up-to-date courses and, working directly with Auto Windscreens, has introduced two NVQ modules to address electrical hazards faced by technicians working on EVs and hybrid vehicles, which both use high voltage systems.

Understanding the technology and related risks are essential, according to Tony Green, Auto Windscreens’ Technical and Innovation Manager. He said: “EVs pose new dangers and it is important that technicians are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to handle screens in them.” He added: “Partners we work with are also beginning to request that we have training in place to ensure this.”

GQA’s automotive glazing qualifications have been used across the industry for years to benchmark the skills and expertise of technicians, while also satisfying manufacturer and legislation requirements, such as those outlined in BS10125.

Sean Hayes, GQA’s Technical Manager, commented: “Partnering with Tony and his team, we used knowledge gained from an electric and hybrid vehicle awareness training course as a starting point to develop the units, which have now been added to the GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Automotive Glazing.”

Due to the flexibility of the awarding body’s registration and certification system, technicians who already hold qualifications, like Steve Abrahams, can achieve either or both of the new modules as standalone units or as an add-on to an existing NVQ.

Sean continued: “Knowing Steve from previous qualification achievements, and through GQA’s involvement with Auto Windscreens’ Clearly the Best competition, I was not surprised when he became the first achiever of the new modules. Steve has always impressed me and it is great to see highly skilled technicians continually challenge themselves.”