Perfect Placement connects skilled technicians with opportunities in advanced vehicle systems across the UK. These professionals diagnose and repair complex automotive systems as the sector transitions to electric power. With 71,942 UK technicians holding an EV qualification as of December 2025, securing qualified staff is essential for workshops adapting to the growing market for electric vehicles.
To work as a hybrid or electric vehicle technician in the UK, you typically need a Level 3 qualification, with EV training often completed alongside your role.
Key Takeaways
- Demand for technicians qualified in electric vehicles is rapidly increasing across the UK automotive sector.
- Most positions require a Level 3 qualification alongside specific electric vehicle certification.
- Projected demand could outpace supply by 25,435 technicians by 2035, making early recruitment critical.
Your Career as an EV Technician
If you are already working as a vehicle technician, moving into EV work is a natural next step. The job itself is not completely different, but the type of work is changing.
You will still be diagnosing faults and repairing vehicles, but there is now a bigger focus on electrical systems, diagnostics, and working safely with high-voltage components. As more electric vehicles appear on UK roads, these skills are becoming part of everyday workshop life.
In practical terms, that means your day-to-day work is shifting towards:
- Diagnosing electrical and electronic faults
- Working with high-voltage systems safely
- Using advanced diagnostic tools and software
- Maintaining and repairing hybrid and electric systems
We work with both car dealerships and independent workshops across the UK, helping technicians move into roles where they can develop these skills further.
From what we see day to day, employers are not looking for perfect CVs. They are looking for good technicians who are willing to learn and keep up with how the industry is changing.
We place technicians into roles like these every week, giving us a clear view of what employers are looking for right now.
If you are thinking about moving into EV work, the timing is in your favour. Demand for technicians with electric vehicle skills is growing quickly, and it is not slowing down.
According to the IMI TechSafe forecast, close to 200,000 UK technicians will need EV qualifications by 2035. Right now, only around 26% of the workforce has that training, which means demand is already outpacing supply.
What that means for you:
- More job opportunities across dealerships and workshops
- Employers more open to supporting EV training
- Better long-term career prospects in a growing area
Most roles still follow standard workshop hours, usually around 40 hours a week, with overtime depending on the employer. The bigger shift is in the work itself.
From a recruitment perspective, employers are prioritising candidates with up-to-date training and practical experience. Our experience in hiring vehicle technicians in competitive markets gives us a clear view of what businesses are looking for right now.
Salary reflects that demand. Technicians with EV experience often earn more than those working only on traditional vehicles, particularly in areas where the skills gap is most noticeable.
EV Technician Demand: What the Data Shows
71,942
EV-qualified technicians
currently in the UK
26%
Of technicians
are EV-qualified today
193,076
EV qualified technicians needed
by 2035
44,152
Projected shortfall
by 2035
Source: IMI TechSafe EV Technician Forecast and industry workforce data (2025)
In simple terms, demand for EV skills is growing faster than the number of technicians being trained.
What qualifications are essential for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technician roles?
Most roles are built on a solid background as a qualified vehicle technician, typically with a Level 3 qualification.
EV training is often added on top of that. Many technicians complete IMI-accredited electric or hybrid vehicle courses alongside their job, with some courses taking just a few days to complete.
In practice, many employers are now prioritising attitude and willingness to train over having every EV qualification in place from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need EV qualifications before applying for jobs?
No. Many employers are open to hiring strong vehicle technicians and supporting EV training after you join. Having the right attitude and a solid technical background is often just as important.
How long does EV training take?
Many IMI-accredited EV courses can be completed in just a few days. Most technicians complete this training alongside their current role rather than taking time out to study full-time.
Are EV technician jobs in demand?
Yes. Demand is increasing as more electric vehicles enter the market. Employers across the UK are actively looking for technicians who can work on hybrid and electric systems.
Will EV skills increase my earning potential?
In many cases, yes. Technicians with EV experience often earn more than those working only on traditional vehicles, particularly in areas where demand is highest.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are thinking about moving into EV work or want to understand what opportunities are out there, we can give you a clear picture of the current market.
We work with employers across the UK who are actively looking for technicians they can develop, including businesses willing to support EV training as part of the role.
Speak to our team to see what roles are available and where your skills fit. Or, if you prefer to browse current opportunities, you can explore our latest EV technician roles below.
Written by the Perfect Placement team, specialists in automotive recruitment since 2003.