Auto Windscreens technician Steve Abrahams has become what is believed to be the first UK vehicle glass repairer to gain EV certification from GQA Qualifications.

Working directly with Auto Windscreens, GQA has introduced two NVQ modules to address electrical hazards faced by technicians working on EVs and hybrid vehicles.

Auto Windscreens’ technical and innovation manager Tony Green said: “EVs pose new dangers and it is important that technicians are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to handle screens in them.Partners we work with are also beginning to request that we have training in place to ensure this.”

Evaluate the latest electric and hybrid vehicles back-to-back in CCIA’s EV/Hybrid Zone

GQA’s technical manager Sean Hayes said: “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."

Technicians who already hold qualifications, like Abrahams (pictured), can achieve either or both of the new modules as standalone units or as an add-on to an existing NVQ.

Hayes said: “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.”