A new $19.4 million training facility for industries developing, operating and maintaining EVs and related technology is to be established at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Centre of Excellence will develop training for mechanics, technicians and developers of light and heavy vehicles and mobile plant technology, hydrogen vehicles and associated fields such as charging infrastructure installation and maintenance, and diploma and degree apprenticeship pathways.
The centre will network with TAFEs in other states and leverage partnerships with universities, jobs and skills councils and industry to build up Australia’s skills base to support increased EV uptake and the transition to net zero, said a media statement announcing the news.
A launch date for the opening of the facilty, however, has not been released.
Tesla, Komatsu and the Australian Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance are three key industry partners who have already committed to be involved with the centre and will support the design and delivery of industry relevant training products, apprenticeship pathways and job pathways for graduates.
CIT will also receive $3.2 million to update automotive facilities for EV training at its Fyshwick campus.
To ensure the workshop is fit for purpose, the grant will also be used to purchase new equipment for students to train with cars and medium and heavy electric vehicles.
These facilities will help upskill the Canberra region and the Australian automotive and transport workforce with the skills required to support the transition to net zero.
The project is part of the $50 million TAFE Technology Fund, which is upgrading and expanding TAFE facilities, including laboratories, workshops, new equipment, and simulated learning environments.
“This Centre of Excellence in Canberra will help boost collaboration between CIT, other TAFEs across Australia and the university sector,” said Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor.
“It will deliver the EV skills and knowledge our labour market requires and strengthen our net zero capability.”
The Albanese government is investing $9.7 million in the CIT facility, a total matched by the ACT Government.