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Trucking ahead with EV skills
Experienced Volvo Commercial Vehicles mechanics have completed Electric Vehicle (EV) training with TAFE Queensland to stay at the forefront of their industry.
With Electric Vehicles (EVs) rapidly transforming the automotive landscape, TAFE Queensland is stepping up to equip industry professionals and apprentices with the essential skills to work on these next-generation vehicles.
In partnership with Volvo Commercial Vehicles (VCV),TAFE Queensland recently upskilled a group of VCV mechanics with a Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology (AUR32721), adding EV-specific skills to their expertise and certifying them to supervise future EV apprentices.
Delivered through TAFE Queensland’s Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training, this specialised program builds on the mechanics’ existing automotive trade qualifications and ensures they’re fully prepared to meet the demands of today’s advancing EV industry.
VCV Dealer Principal, Greg Sargeant, said quality training was key to remaining at the forefront of the automotive industry and servicing customers as their needs transition.
"At VCV, we’re committed to supporting our customers on their transition to electric vehicles by ensuring our technicians are equipped with the skills for the future,” Mr Sargeant said.
“Partnering with TAFE Queensland for EV certifications, provides our team with advanced training and aligns perfectly with our focus on safety, innovation, and sustainable solutions for our customers,” he said.
VCV partner with TAFE Queensland to provide demonstrations of their latest Electric Vehicles for teachers.
Vice President of People and Culture at Volvo Group, Jane Humphreys, said enhancing the careers and skills of its workforce was of utmost importance to Volvo.
“Volvo is dedicated to empowering our team with the skills crucial for a sustainable future, and this partnership with TAFE Queensland highlights our investment in both their growth and our industry's advancement,” Ms Humphreys said.
“By equipping our technicians with the latest EV expertise, Volvo is not only ensuring a future-ready workforce but also building the foundation to lead in the evolving landscape of transportation.”
“Our commitment to transforming the industry through e-mobility is reflected in initiatives like this EV training with TAFE Queensland. By investing in our highly engaged colleagues through targeted upskilling, we ensure they develop to their full potential whilst delivering a future fit workforce that enables a more sustainable future for all,” she said.
TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech Heavy Automotive Business Manager David Jenkinson said businesses like VCV were getting ahead of the competition by upskilling their experienced technicians into qualified supervisors for incoming EV apprentices.
“The EV apprenticeship will be in high demand across the automotive industry in coming years as these vehicles become more popular and businesses need to service their customers’ changing needs,” Mr Jenkinson said.
“With young people entering the workforce who want to work on the latest vehicles, workplaces that can supervise EV apprentices will be best-placed to secure the best talent for their workshop moving forward.”
“A new generation of automotive mechanics starts with upskilling the existing workforce, and TAFE Queensland can provide EV training to industry professionals right across the state,” he said.
The Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set (AURSS00064) is available under the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative across Queensland, from Townsville to Toowoomba, for qualified technicians to begin their EV training journey.