Bus diesel mechanics and transport technicians are invited to enhance their skills through the Andrews Labor Government’s new pilot course that will gear them up to work on zero emission electric vehicles, as Victoria works to halve its emissions by 2030.

The Labor Government has invested almost $2 million for a new pilot program led by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union in collaboration with local industry, including four major Victorian bus companies, alongside Bendigo Kangan Institute.

The course will prepare Victoria’s transport support services for the clean economy by giving Victorian bus mechanics and transport technicians the chance to enhance their expert skills and knowledge through accredited training.

It will also support the upgrade of the Labor Government’s fleet and public transport with zero emissions vehicles.

The course will be developed in collaboration with major Victorian bus companies Dysons, Kinetic, Ventura and CDC Victoria, and will be delivered by Bendigo Kangan Institute across metropolitan and regional areas.

Once the pilot is endorsed by the sector, the course will be made available to all Victorian bus operators and tailored to apprentices.

The program was funded through the Government’s Workforce Training Innovation Fund, which better connects TAFE and training to industry and skills needs while delivering new ideas and solutions for Victoria’s future.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“Electric and Zero Emissions Vehicles are the future of transport, and this program will support our commitment that from 2025 every new bus on our public transport network is zero emissions.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’ve created more jobs in renewables than any other state and this program will help ensure that we’re at the forefront of zero emissions transport, part of our journey to halving emissions by 2030.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“This is another example of how we are spearheading training and skills opportunities for Victorians – giving expert Victorian mechanics and technicians the chance to upskill and contribute to our growing clean, green workforce.”