Silverlake Automotive Recycling [Silverlake] has completed an Institute of Motor Industry [IMI] accredited EV dismantling course from ELEVATE - an NA International initiative.  The course sees colleagues recognised as accredited EV dismantling technicians by the IMI.  

Silverlake is processing growing numbers of electric vehicles every month.  2023 saw an increase of 172% in all high voltage vehicles compared to 2022; further identified by a 94% increase in fully electric vehicles and a 218% increase in hybrid vehicles.   

The company is proactive in equipping its people with the necessary skills and competencies to deliver the services needed by customers and operate safely.  The NA International EV dismantling course provides training from electrically qualified, manufacturer trained and IMI certified staff with over 35 years of experience. Participants learn how to make high voltage vehicles safe and how to remove high voltage components and batteries after the vehicle has been made safe, and are issued with an IMI Certificate on completion. 

Tom Harvey, Organisation Development Manager at Silverlake commented: “As of the end of February 2024, there are now over 1,000,000 fully electric cars on UK roads and a further 620,000 plug-in hybrids.*  The automotive industry is evolving and we are investing in our people and our facilities to serve our customers, future-proof our business and embrace the opportunities presented.  This is the second EV training course we have undertaken with NA International and we are impressed by the quality of their trainers and the valuable mix of theory and practical training.”  

Ken Byng, Director at NA International Group said: “I was delighted to roll out this inaugural ELEVATE IMI accredited End of Life Electric & Hybrid Electric Vehicle Dismantling training course to two of the key staff at Silverlake involved in their industry leading End of Life EV operation. As the first IMI accredited course of its kind in the UK - designed specifically to equip any ATF with the knowledge and competence needed to safely handle these vehicles and batteries at their end of life - the programme has been created to satisfy the forthcoming IMI National Occupational Standards and culminates in successful candidates receiving formal IMI Certification. ELEVATE (End of Life Electric Vehicle Advice, Training & Expertise) will play a crucial part in professionalising the ELV industry via IMI certified targeted learning outcomes whilst eliminating the need for complex formal examinations, and it is reassuring to see the seriousness with which Silverlake take their responsibilities in both educating their staff, and keeping them safe in this area.”