The UK’s leading provider of automotive training LKQ Academy, has launched a new training course on servicing hydrogen vehicles to help garages broaden their specialisms while futureproofing industry skills.

The Hydrogen Vehicle Safety Awareness Certification will provide learners with an essential understanding of safe practice, potential dangers and necessary precautions when servicing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

The IMI-approved qualification offers an introduction to the specialism, enabling technicians to develop their skills as hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles take to UK roads alongside electric vehicles ahead of the ICE ban.

The day-long course is the latest addition to the LKQ Academy’s growing portfolio of training that helps garages to prepare for a sustainable future. It’s already upskilled more than 3,000 technicians in servicing hybrid and electric car maintenance and repair.

LKQ Academy has also introduced a full-day course on identifying and fixing AdBlue system faults alongside the new hydrogen training.

Lee Chapman, head of support, LKQ Academy, said: “The refining and transmission of green hydrogen is rapidly developing, creating more opportunities to expand refuelling infrastructure. Carmakers are also planning to bring forward new hydrogen models in the next few years, alongside electric releases, to meet the needs of a decarbonised car parc. 

“While there’s strong consensus that the future of emission-free vehicles will be largely electric, hydrogen still has an important role to play as part of the net-zero fuel mix. Launching a hydrogen dedicated course expands on our support to futureproof skills in the aftermarket, while creating an opportunity for garages to build a valuable specialism.”

New training comes as the LKQ Academy undergoes a major expansion. The training provider has plans to open 10 new centres across the UK, with a branch in Manchester being the latest to open in April this year. New sites will add to LKQ Academy’s existing centres in Sunderland and Bristol, alongside 26 external sites, creating a total capacity of 11,000 seats on 80 different courses. 

Five new trainers have been recruited as part of the expansion so far, and learners will also benefit to access to exclusive training from Andy Savva, The Garage Inspector

To view the full range of courses on offer at the LKQ Academy, click here.