More than 400 mechanics have charged up their careers with TAFE Queensland Electric Vehicle (EV) training in 2024, with over 300 technicians undertaking the Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set (AURSS00064) available under the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative.
Small business owner Ali Abbas was in the inaugural class of the course in 2023 and said he undertook the training to expand his business, Mobile Diagnostic Repairs, and look after existing customers buying newer vehicles.
“These vehicles are becoming more and more common so I wanted to upskill so I could confidently work on them and advertise that I’m doing so, in order to boost my business,” Mr Abbas said.
Mr Abbas said his TAFE Queensland teachers ensured every student in the class graduated highly capable and confident in their newfound skills.
“Being certified is a good thing, but to really feel confident and comfortable that I am able to do this work and advertise it to my clients is even better,” Mr Abbas said.
Other training included the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Skill Set (SSAUR0005), the new EV apprenticeship course – Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology (AUR32721), and elective EV units within the existing apprenticeship – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620).
TAFE Queensland’s thousands of apprentices training in regular automotive trades can choose elective EV units to undertake across their course, and this was the next most studied EV training in 2024.
TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech General Manager Stephen Gates said the inclusion of EV elective units in regular apprenticeships has been key to TAFE Queensland’s training strategy for a number of years.
“Upskilling Queensland’s automotive industry to work on the vehicles that are becoming more popular means not only training qualified mechanics and business owners, but also apprentices,” Mr Gates said.
“There is the new EV apprenticeship for dealerships and other businesses working exclusively on these vehicles, but for most apprentices a base level of knowledge will also be needed across their career.”
