The Allan Labor Government is creating jobs for the future with a new training course that will give automotive technicians the skills to safely service and maintain hydrogen powered vehicles.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today visited the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, which will deliver the training supported by the Labor Government’s Skills Solutions Partnerships program.
The Skills Solutions Partnerships program brings industry, TAFEs and dual sector universities together to co-design and pilot new short courses and on-the-job training to quickly address skills gaps in priority sectors.
Co-designed by Kangan Institute and Foton Mobility Distribution, this will be the first accredited training course in Australia equipping workers with the skills and knowledge required to safely work with, service and maintain hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy vehicles.
With more than 27,000 automotive technicians in Victoria, the training will be scaled up to meet the growing demand for upskilling in the emerging hydrogen vehicles market. Already 30 students have enrolled in the program which kicks off at the end of August.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use hydrogen fuel to power an electric motor. Producing only water vapour emissions, hydrogen trucks, buses and cars offer a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels with benefits for the community and the economy.
Hydrogen technology is increasingly seen as part of the solution to decarbonise Australia’s long-haul freight sector.
Victoria already leads the nation in refuelling infrastructure with three renewable hydrogen refuelling stations operating here – including Australia’s only publicly accessible station. Now – we are leading the way in building the skilled workforce.
As part of the Economic Growth Statement, the Labor Government is providing $4.75 million to extend the Skills Solutions Partnerships. Expressions of interest for Round 2 have recently closed, with successful projects expected to be announced in the coming months.