Delphi Academy celebrates UK’s ‘youngest’ EV IMI L3 graduate

A 19-year-old apprentice working at Oldfields Garage in Leominster is thought to be the youngest technician in the UK to have been awarded the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Level 3 qualification, having completed the course at Delphi Academy in Warwick.

Remarkably, he achieved the milestone before completing his Level 3 apprenticeship, which he’s currently finishing at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College while gaining hands-on experience at Oldfields Garage in Leominster.

“I want to stay up to date, and it seems electric vehicles (EVs) are going to be increasingly important,” said Owen. “Not many garages have EV qualifications around us, so it’s a big advantage having that box ticked, and it's amazing to think that I’m the youngest in the country with this qualification.

Delphi’s comprehensive EV training course provides the essential knowledge and skills needed to safely diagnose, repair, and maintain EVs to IMI Level 3 standards.

It includes six hours of guided online pre-learning, which must be completed before attending the face-to-face course. During the in-person training, participants engage in both theoretical and practical instruction.

“Owen should be incredibly proud of his accomplishment,” said Luke Garratt, UK Technical Services Manager at Delphi. “Completing the EV IMI Level 3 qualification at such a young age, and before even finishing his apprenticeship, is a testament to his dedication and hard work.”

Owen has one final exam in August before completing his apprenticeship, when he plans to take on a full-time role at Oldfields Garage.

“We’re extremely proud of Owen on this achievement,” said Tim. “This is an exciting time for young people to join the industry, especially with the rapid advancements in vehicle technology. Owen’s success demonstrates the potential that apprentices have when given the opportunity to grow and feel valued within a business.”

Despite being in a rural area, Oldfields Garage is committed to making sure its loyal customers see it as ‘EV-ready’.

“We’re now in the process of ensuring our current customers know that we’re EV qualified and that it’s part of our core offering, not just an afterthought,” said Tim. “EV training is a key first step for independent garages. The next step, is ensuring our loyal customers know we can continue to service them, should their next car be an EV.”