01481 226565 careersguernsey@gov.gg

Motor Trade in Guernsey

A Careers Adviser from Careers Guernsey met with the President of the Guernsey Motor Trade Association, Robert Cornelius, to find out more about how the motor trade locally is working towards zero emissions 2050 target. 

What is the current strategy for the motor trade locally towards the zero emissions target? 

Guernsey is being led by the vehicle manufacturers and government in the UK, including the 2030 target of no further pure brand new petrol or diesel cars being sold. Having sat on the energy policy group locally, discussions also took into account the infrastructure needed to serve the charging requirements of Electric Vehicles locally. 

Vehicle safety inspections due to be introduced by the States of Guernsey will also provide a framework for safer vehicles and will reduce emissions by taking any potentially unsafe older cars off the road. 

What has the response been in Guernsey to Electric Vehicles? 

Whilst the response in Guernsey has been good with an annual increase in 2021 of electric and hybrid car registrations of almost 57% compared to 2020 numbers (Source: States of Guernsey),  this is limited to the availability of Electric Vehicles from the manufacturers, particularly the smaller models. 

All manufacturers are having to adapt their design and production strategies with more electric vehicle types being produced. There is a demand in Guernsey for the smaller electric vehicles so currently monitoring the manufacturers new product lines and options. 

How has the motor trade responded to up-skilling mechanics and other staff to work with Electric Vehicles? 

Garages locally will use any training provided by their franchise manufacturer to up-skill their staff and independent garages will also be providing training. At Robert's dealership, they have 4 technicians and they are all licensed to work with Electric Vehicles.

It's not just the mechanics/technicians though, as the sales personnel also need to study online to ensure they are up to date on the Electric Vehicles and the levels of electrification possible e.g. Mild Hybrid, Self-charging Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Full Electric. 

Technicians now have to be multi-skilled to work on the full range of cars as petrol and diesel cars will continue in circulation, even when the sale of pure new petrol and diesel cars ceases after 2030. Technology in cars is becoming more advanced and the skills required will need to be keep pace with this. 

The apprenticeship course run locally by The Guernsey Institute - College, is responding to the need for knowledge and skills to work with Electric Vehicles and liaises with the Motor Trade Association to keep up to date. Maths and English skills continue to be key requirements due to the level of diagnostics required (there are currently more than thirty Motor Vehicle apprentices training across the local Apprenticeship Scheme). 

What are some of the predictions for the motor trade in the future? 

There will continue to be career opportunities although the types of vehicles in circulation will shift as the continued increase in Electric Vehicles and the technology rolls out globally. In Guernsey, there will still be a requirement for technicians who are skilled across EV's, petrol and diesel vehicles. 

There is a shortage of technicians locally, including those trained who have subsequently decided to move out of the motor trade.

Apprenticeships continue to be available although there are increasing costs for the employer, so there has to be a commitment from both sides to ensure apprentices gain full qualifications.  

If you are interested in a career in the Motor Trade locally and you want to find out more, please contact: 

Careers Guernsey careersguernsey@gov.gg T: 01481 226565 or visit Explore Careers in the motor trade 

The Guernsey Institute - College Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship      college@gcfe.net T: 01481 227500 

Local garages about job roles and training available.

 

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