Centre Spotlight: Blackburn College - HEAT

Blackburn College Brings the HEAT

One of the challenges that comes with a rapidly changing industry is ensuring we have a skilled workforce able to work on new and emerging technologies. Since 2022, Blackburn College’s HEAT (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) has been bridging the skills gap when it comes to low-carbon vehicle mechanics. For starters, all Blackburn College’s apprentices are trained to work with EVs; a necessary trend to futureproof our industry.

Through HEAT, Blackburn College provides IMI TechSafe recognised training with levels 1-4 in electric and hydrogen technologies. They secured one of the UK’s first hydrogen vehicles and played a crucial role in piloting the IMI’s Level 2 Hydrogen Qualification, helping us to shape our standards that are recognised and respected internationally.

Equipped and ready for hydrogen

With significant investment, they have kitted out their workshops to be hydrogen ready and hydrogen safe, making them among the first IMI centres able to deliver IMI Levels 2 and 3 Hydrogen qualifications. Aimed at individuals across the retail and public service automotive sectors, including commercial garage owners, emergency service and fleet operations, the new IMI Hydrogen Level 2 and 3 courses will enable motor technicians to train on the most advanced kit, systems and processes. Michael Yerbury, Advanced Automotive Technical Trainer at the College’s HEAT centre, Hybrid Electric Automotive Training facility, has been leading the developments in hydrogen training to enable the move into this next wave of vehicle propulsion.

Michael said: “I am incredibly pleased that Blackburn College is leading the way in hydrogen qualifications. It’s an important endorsement from the IMI and an honour to be the first centre in the country to deliver the IMI accredited Hydrogen  Level 3 qualification. We aim to provide high-quality, informative training to give our candidates the skills and knowledge to deal with this emerging technology.”

This crucial work towards equipping learners with industry-ready skills is one of the reasons Blackburn College was shortlisted for The Contribution to the Work of the IMI Award at the 2026 IMI Annual Dinner and Awards.

With the number of registered EVs and hybrids growing, and hydrogen looking as though it is set to be the next big thing, it’s important we have a workforce who can maintain these vehicles safely. This is why the IMI has been pushing for IMI TechSafe to become the national standard for ensuring safety and competence.

“I am incredibly pleased that Blackburn College is leading the way in hydrogen qualifications. It’s an important endorsement from the IMI and an honour to be the first centre in the country to deliver the IMI accredited Hydrogen Level 3 qualification. We aim to provide high-quality, informative training to give our candidates the skills and knowledge to deal with this emerging technology.”

Michael Yerbury - Advanced Automotive Technical Trainer

IMI TechSafe is growing

We already have over 25,000 technicians who are IMI TechSafe recognised. Working with Blackburn College, the IMI is launching a new online qualification that helps technicians maintain their IMI TechSafe recognition. By making it as simple as possible to complete regular CPD, we will be ensuring that we have a workforce that can keep EVs and hybrids on the road.

The number of IMI TechSafe recognised technicians is set to grow through our relationships with our accredited centres. For example, through the Lancashire Skills Bootcamp, Blackburn College is also committed to upskilling those already working in the industry in the local area. Using IMI qualifications to upskill local SMEs/garages, the college is doing their bit to ensure as many people can work safely on new and emerging technologies, whilst helping to plug the skills gap.

Sherard Block, Operations Director at Block Automotive who partner with Blackburn College, said: “By investing in hydrogen training equipment, colleges can future-proof their programmes, support Net Zero objectives, strengthen employer partnerships, and provide learners with the practical skills required for the next generation of engineering industries.”

With predictions showing there will be more than 6.5 million battery/electric vehicles on our roads by 2030, HEAT is dedicated to developing training that meets the demands of future EV technologies.

Find out more about Blackburn College's HEAT Facilities. If your centre is looking to provide IMI accredited hydrogen training, have a look at the modules available.