Need for HGV mechanics is on the up

It appears that the need for HGV mechanics is increasingly on the up, as demand for skilled tradesmen rises on the back of the implementation of Euro-5 emissions limits. As the Euro-5 emissions standards came into effect for new HGVs on 1 October, the need for specialist CV mechanics is now more crucial than ever. This was the message from the DAF National Dealer Apprenticeship of the Year Awards.

Yet, according to Skillnet’s Test Verifier, Stuart Jones, mechanics will now need to learn more complex skills so as to cope with new engine demands. In addition to this, Jones says:

“With emissions regulations tightening, the technology involved is going to get harder, and operators will have to rely on this knowledge.”

As Skillent manages 53% of UK’s HGV mechanic apprentice schemes, the Chief Executive of Lee Action has practically no fear of numbers declining. Apart from that, he also predicts that the group’s turnover will increase to £10 million by March 2009 in comparison with the £3 million in March 2008.

Nevertheless, Trevor Platups, Managing Director of the North London Garage Group, was a bit more sceptical, stipulating that even mechanic firms will have to watch their headcount. However, he fully agrees that the industry needs highly competent mechanics to cope with the new demands.