A TEENAGE apprentice has become the youngest vehicle technician in the UK to be awarded with an Institute of the Motor Industry level three EV qualification.

Owen Lloyd from Bodenham achieved the remarkable hybrid and electric vehicle milestone at just 19 years of age while gaining hands-on experience at Oldfields Garage in Leominster.

Astonishingly, Mr Lloyd gained the qualification before he had even completed his Level 3 apprenticeship at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College.

Mr Lloyd looks to future-proof his career with the EV qualification.Mr Lloyd looks to future-proof his career with the EV qualification. (Image: Mike Ruff)

“I want to stay up to date, and it seems electric vehicles (EVs) are going to be increasingly important,” said Mr Lloyd. “Not many garages have EV qualifications around here, 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.”

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Mr Lloyd has a final exam in August before completing his apprenticeship, after which he plans to take on a full-time role at Oldfields Garage in Enterprise Park.

Tim Benson (R) is very proud of his apprentice's achievement.Tim Benson (R) is very proud of Mr Lloyd's achievement. (Image: Mike Ruff)
Garage owner, Tim Benson is “extremely proud of Owen” and how, in such an “exciting time for young people to join the industry, 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.”

With the increasing prevalence of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) on Herefordshire’s roads, the multi-award winning garage continues to invest in the training and equipment needed to service and repair today’s increasingly advanced vehicles.

Owen Lloyd Owen Lloyd at his placement of Oldfields Garage. (Image: Mike Ruff)

Mr Benson said, “by investing in EV training, we’re not just preparing for the future; we’re ensuring our customers receive the highest level of care and expertise, no matter what type of vehicle they drive.” Oldfields Garage now has the capability to MOT, service and repair any hybrid or EV.

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