Prepaire proudly announces that the training program has officially started. On Thursday, October 30, the first pilot training took place at ASN Almere: ‘Safe Working on Electric Vehicles’. This training marks the beginning of a broad range of courses designed to prepare employees for the challenges of the rapidly growing electric mobility market. Prepaire’s training program was developed in collaboration with, among others, Summa College, contributing a solid foundation of professional knowledge and didactic expertise to make the training practical and effective.
The growth of electric vehicles demands safe working practices
With the strong increase in electric vehicles in the Netherlands, the complexity and risks involved in working on these vehicles are also rising. Risks such as electric shocks, fire, and short circuits make it essential that employees are well trained and certified. According to the NEN 9140:2024 standard, employers are required to train their staff accordingly. Prepaire responds to this development with its training program. “With the rapid growth of electric vehicles, it is essential that employees are well trained to work safely. Our pilot at ASN Almere shows that we are taking an important step towards a safer work environment,” says Hans Musters, Director of the Paint Non-Paint division at Alliance Automotive Group in the Benelux.
About the pilot training: Safe working on Electric Vehicles
Paul Vuijst, co-owner of ASN Almere: “This training not only provides our staff with important knowledge but also strengthens their confidence and safety at work. This way, we ensure they can work on electric vehicles with the right skills and understanding.” The pilot training ‘Safe Working on Electric Vehicles’ focuses on essential safety regulations and practical working methods to enable employees to work safely, efficiently, and legally. This training is part of Prepaire’s full training offer, which will be supplemented in the coming months with additional courses focusing on various aspects of electric vehicle maintenance and repair. Training sessions are held at the auto repair company’s location, one of the Prepaire training centers, or at the educational partner’s site.
What does this training provide?
- Safer Working: Reduced risk of accidents and injuries within the team
- Certification: Tangible qualification in accordance with the legal NEN 9140 requirement
- Peace of Mind & Confidence: Customers and clients know work is done safely and professionally
- Practical Applicability: Immediately applicable knowledge in the workshop
- Cost Savings: Avoidance of expensive errors or damage to EV systems
Internationally recognized IMI certificate via Summa College
An important aspect of the Prepaire training program is that it offers certification through IMI, the Institute of the Motor Industry. IMI is an internationally recognized organization that issues high-quality certificates for professional competence within the mobility sector. Summa College is the only recognized and certified IMI trainer in the Netherlands that not only provides the training but also administers the related exams.
This is very valuable, especially since a NEN certificate is only valid within the Netherlands, while many neighboring countries have their own standards for electric vehicles. Manufacturers from countries like China strongly prefer internationally recognized certificates such as those from IMI. For repairers handling brands from these countries, the IMI certificate enhances professional status and provides important added value in demonstrating competence and safety.
With this setup, Prepaire offers employers a future-proof training program that complies with legal requirements and guarantees safety in the workplace. Additional training options will follow soon.
