Ferdotti Motor Services, a leading West Midlands-based garage specialising in fleet vehicle maintenance, is preparing for an increase in the number of electric vehicle (EV) jobs by investing in hands-on training for its technicians through Cleevely Group’s “At Ease With EV” course.
Managing Director Timothy Guidotti has already enrolled six technicians onto the one-day course at Cleevely Group’s IMI-approved training centre in Cheltenham. He describes it as a vital next step in the business’s strategy to meet the evolving needs of its fleet customers.
With five workshops, 27 staff, and a turnover of £3 million, Ferdotti is starting to see an uptick in EV servicing enquiries.
“We’ve recently been approached by a fleet company operating a number of Teslas who are keen to move away from the dealer experience,” said Tim. “That’s why I want our team to be fully prepared to take that work on confidently and competently.”
The “At Ease With EV” course, held in partnership with Cotswold Diagnostics, is designed for technicians who already hold IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 EV qualifications. Delivered by EV servicing and repairs pioneer Matt Cleevely and technical trainer Alistair Finch, the course focuses on real-world scenarios in a nationally-renowned EV workshop, covering battery diagnostics, safety procedures, and manufacturer-specific practices – including Tesla’s service mode.
“It’s not just theoretical,” said Timothy. “Technicians come away with practical experience and real-world context, which helps them see that EVs are not something to be afraid of. It shows them that independent garages absolutely can do this work and do it well.”
Tim describes the course as a powerful confidence-builder for technicians and an essential part of the business’s EV training pathway, which currently supports staff up to IMI Level 3, with Level 4 plans in development.
“The course is incredibly motivating for our team,” added Timothy. “They return energised and with a clearer vision of how they can progress as EV work grows. It’s exactly the type of incremental, real-world training we need.”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to work with forward-thinking garage owners like Tim who are actively preparing their teams for the future,” said Matt. “We developed this course to take the fear out of working on EVs. Once technicians get hands-on with real cars in a real workshop, their mindset shifts. They realise it’s not as daunting as it seems. That boost in confidence is often the turning point to taking on more EV work.”
The next At Ease With EV training course takes place on Saturday, 14th June. With demand for EV expertise on the rise and places limited, technicians are advised to book early to avoid missing out.
Priced at £295 + VAT per delegate, the one-day course includes lunch, refreshments, and a CPD certificate. To register interest or for more information, contact Claire at claire@cleevelyev.co.uk.
Matt Cleevely will also be at Automechanika Birmingham (3–5 June), delivering live EV diagnostics demos in the Workshop Hub using a Nissan Leaf. Sessions take place Tuesday (10:00 – 11:00 AM & 2:00 – 3:00 PM), Wednesday (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:00 – 3:00 PM), and Thursday (10:00 – 11:00 AM & 1:00 – 2:00 PM), offering technicians practical, real-world insights into EV repairs. He’ll also join a panel discussion on the future of EVs in the aftermarket on Wednesday at 10:30 AM.