McGill’s Bus Services will be the first to benefit from a heavy electric training programme launched by Dundee and Angus College.
The vocational training delivered via the partnership with the college will arm technicians at the Scottish independent with the skills to maintain and repair its 100-plus-strong electric bus fleet.
Training is already under way for technicians at McGill’s depots in Dundee and Johnstone with plans to expand the programme to its Inchinnan and Greenock sites.
Since launching its first fully electric route in September 2021, McGill’s group has continued its transition from fossil fuels. Crucial to this development will be the training to levels 2 and 3 of the Institute of the Motor Industry’s qualifications, covering routine maintenance and vehicle system repair and replacement.
Dundee and Angus College already educates workers to these levels at all three of Scotland’s primary emergency services, supporting the Scottish Government’s aim to achieve net zero by 2045. Upskilling of vehicle maintenance in this area is seen as key.
Frank Sheach, Xplore Dundee Engineering Manager, says: “As part of the McGill’s Group, Xplore Dundee has a vision for a cleaner, greener fleet on the city’s bus network. Part of that vision is ensuring that our technicians have the highest standard of expertise and knowledge in order to provide the best level of service for the public possible. We are delighted to be joining forces with Dundee and Angus College as our heavy electric vehicle training provider.”
Caryn Gibson, Business Partnerships Manager at Dundee and Angus College, adds: “Meeting the training needs of employers, particularly in green skills as we move towards net zero, is very important to us here at D&A College.
“This is why we have invested into our own team to ensure that we can deliver this heavy electric vehicle training that will most certainly be in demand as the number of electric vehicles on the road and in supply chains increases. We are thrilled to launch the course by working with McGill’s and look forward to providing it to many other employers in the future as they make the switch to electric.”
