How the training pathway works
The courses are designed around different team roles. Training gives you the knowledge you need, practical assessment shows that you can apply it safely, and authorisation confirms which activities you are allowed to carry out.
Completing a course does not automatically give you permission to work on a high voltage system.
All EV team members must receive basic electrical safety training appropriate to their role, so they understand the risks and know how to respond in an emergency.
You do not need to complete the courses in order. Choose the course that matches your responsibilities within the team.
The FS-HVO is a team operational competency rather than an official Formula Student appointed role. HVOs may carry out activities they have been trained, assessed and authorised to complete, but they remain under the control of an Electrical System Officer (ESO) where required.
An HVO cannot independently declare the vehicle or high voltage system electrically safe. This authority remains with the appointed ESO.
OUR COURSES
We offer a range of courses for Formula Student
FS-HVO – High Voltage Operator
Delivery method: Self-guided online learning modules, followed by an internal practical assessment and competency sign-off carried out by the team’s Electrical System Officer.
What is the course?
A combined online and practical course for team members who will carry out high voltage activities on the vehicle.
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for electrical, powertrain, accumulator and battery team members, as well as anyone responsible for charging, isolating, maintaining, commissioning or diagnosing the vehicle.
What will you learn?
You will learn about:
High voltage hazards
The layout of the vehicle’s electrical system
Shutdown and safety systems
Safe isolation
Lockout and tagout
Proving the system is dead
Safe charging
Risk assessment
Controls for diagnostic testing
What can you do after the course?
Once you have passed the practical assessment and been authorised by an Electrical Sysytem Officer, you may be allowed to:
Charge the vehicle or accumulator
Shut down and isolate the high voltage system
Apply lockout and tagout
Prove that the system is safely de-energised
Carry out authorised maintenance
Carry out approved commissioning and diagnostic work
Completing the course does not automatically make you an HVO. You must complete the online learning, pass the practical assessment and receive ESO authorisation.
FS-ESO – Electrical System Officer
Duration: Two day
Delivery method: Instructor-led training, delivered either face-to-face or live online
What is the course?
This course is for experienced Formula Student team members who may be appointed as an Electrical System Officer (ESO).
It covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage high-voltage activities, support the team and make sure electrical work is carried out safely and in line with the Formula Student EV safety rules.
Who is it for?
The course is suitable for:
Electrical and powertrain team leaders
Senior EV team members
Students responsible for controlling high-voltage work
Team members who may be appointed as an ESO
People responsible for safe isolation, testing and emergency arrangements
What will you learn?
You will learn how to:
ESO roles and responsibilities
Formula Student EV safety rules
High-voltage hazards and personal protective equipment
Safe isolation and proving the system is dead
Principles and controls for live working
Tractive System components and operation
Emergency procedures
Practical assessment and competency sign-off
What can you do after the course?
After successfully completing the training and practical assessment, you will have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to carry out the ESO role. This includes:
Managing and controlling high-voltage activities
Safely isolating the vehicle and verifying that it is de-energised
Applying suitable controls to testing and other high-voltage activities
Overseeing charging and Tractive System work
Responding to electrical incidents and emergencies
Supporting the safe operation of the team’s electric vehicle
Completing the course does not automatically appoint you as an ESO. You must also be considered suitable for the role and formally appointed by your team.
FS-ESO – Annual Update
Delivery method: Self-guided online update completed at the learner's own pace.
What is the course?
Formula Student rules are reviewed and updated each year, while electrical-safety guidance and industry good practice continue to develop.
The FS-ESO Annual Update provides previously trained ESOs with a focused review of relevant changes and reinforces the key responsibilities associated with managing electrical safety within a Formula Student team.
Who is it for?
This update is intended for individuals who have previously completed suitable ESO training and continue to undertake, or are preparing to undertake, the Electrical System Officer role.
What will you learn?
Relevant changes to the current Formula Student rules
Updates affecting ESO responsibilities and team arrangements
Changes to electrical-safety guidance and industry good practice
Lessons learned from previous Formula Student competitions
Common technical or procedural issues identified within teams
Refresher guidance on safe isolation, vehicle status and control of high-voltage activities
Any changes to documentation, evidence or competition submission expectations
Please Note
The annual update is intended to maintain and refresh existing knowledge. It does not replace the initial ESO training course, practical experience, team competency assessment or formal appointment.
The team remains responsible for confirming that the individual remains competent and suitable for appointment as an ESO.
FS-ESA – Electrical System Advisor
Duration: One day
Delivery method: Instructor-led training, delivered either face-to-face or live online
What is the course?
A course for people who will oversee and support the team’s high voltage safety arrangements.
The ESA looks at the bigger picture and helps make sure the team’s rules, training and working methods are suitable and being followed.
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for faculty advisors, university technical staff, senior engineers, electrical safety specialists and anyone responsible for reviewing or auditing the team’s safety arrangements.
What will you learn?
You will learn about:
High voltage safety management
Auditing and checking compliance
Competence and authorisation systems
Reviewing incidents
Interpreting safety rules
Improving the team’s safety arrangements
What can you do after the course?
Once you have been assessed and formally appointed, you may be able to:
Review the team’s high voltage safety system
Audit the team’s working arrangements
Give advice on unusual or complex work
Review incidents and recommend improvements
Check that training and authorisation systems are working
Help the team improve its electrical safety standards
Completing the course alone does not make you an ESA. The role requires suitable knowledge, experience, assessment and formal appointment.
Cannot find what you are looking for? We can develop custom training solutions to suit your needs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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