ADAS training critical to autonomous future
Autotech Training has urged the automotive sector to prioritise ADAS training as the foundation for supporting the next generation of autonomous vehicles.
Under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, the UK has paved the way for the introduction of autonomous vehicles in certain scenarios later this year.
However, experts predict autonomous vehicle uptake to follow a similar trajectory as electric vehicles. Electric vehicles accounted for only one per cent of the UK car parc a decade ago but there are now more than a million on the road.
Industry projections suggest that up to 40% of new car sales could feature self-driving capabilities by 2035,, with the sector supporting 38,000 jobs and contributing £42bn to the UK economy.
Skills
However, Autotech Training believes the transition to autonomy will depend heavily on the aftermarket’s ability to repair and accurately calibrate the complex systems supporting autonomy.
It warns that even minor misalignment following routine repairs, windscreen replacement, suspension work or minor collision damage can compromise system accuracy and result in inconsistent repair standards.
It said: “Training provision needs to scale in parallel with vehicle deployment. The road to autonomy will run not only through legislation and infrastructure, but through workshops across the country.
“Just as EV adoption demanded widespread upskilling in high-voltage safety and diagnostics, the rise of autonomous vehicles demands a technically competent workforce trained in advanced sensor calibration and system validation.”
