Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE

NSW Government boosts access to electric vehicle training

Tuesday, 28 May 2024

The NSW Government is boosting access to electric vehicle training to future-proof the automative workforce in regional communities. 

After more than a decade of neglect by the former government, the NSW Labor Government is committed to restoring TAFE to the heart of vocational education in NSW. This includes investing in the future of the renewable sector in NSW.

Over one million zero and low-emission vehicles are estimated to be on Australia's roads by 2030, increasing the demand for skilled automotive service technicians.

To meet this skills need, TAFE NSW Tamworth is using virtual classroom delivery to support in-person learning and upskill more mechanics in electric and hybrid vehicles across the New England region.

Students attend a virtual classroom session, observing practical demonstrations live from the TAFE NSW Tamworth automotive workshop using state-of-the-art technology.

The virtual training component reduces in-person training to a single day, minimising learners' time away from work.

Students complete a Statement of Attainment in Depower and Reinitialise Hybrid and Batter Electric Vehicles, upskilling to safely prepare electric and hybrid vehicles for service and repairs.

The skills shortage in NSW underscores the critical need to revitalise a robust and enduring TAFE NSW and by offering more flexible training options like remote-access learning, the government is helping future-proof the workforce.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said:

"NSW is home to the highest number of registered vehicles in Australia, and the demand for electric vehicles is growing.

"There are around 180,000 electric vehicles on the roads in Australia right now, a 46 per cent increase in the past two years, and the demand for mechanics skilled to work on electric vehicles is also growing.

"Delivering part of the training virtually minimises the time learners need away from work, which helps support both the workers and their employers.

"It gives employers more choice in how they upskill their employees, to fit with what works best for their business and help to reduce lost time and maintain service levels in a busy workshop.

"It's critical we support communities to meet this industry and workforce demand. This is one example of how the NSW Government is working to deliver access to necessary skills training to future-proof emerging skills needs."