The NSW Government says it is backing the state’s councils to super charge their electric vehicle fleets by ensuring they have the workforce needed to service and maintain EVs into the future.
Twelve apprentice mechanics from six Sydney councils have undertaken hands-on training during a four-day EV workshop with TAFE NSW.
The Western Sydney workshop provided practical, on-the-ground training and the skills needed to power the shift to electric, keep services moving and fleets on the road.
The TAFE NSW EV workshops give council apprentice mechanics the specialist skills to inspect and service EVs as more councils move to electrify their fleets.
The training includes:
- Depowering and reinitialising battery EVs
- Inspecting and maintaining battery EVs
- Diagnosing and repairing high voltage rechargeable energy storage systems in battery EVs
- Diagnosing and repairing system instrumentation in safety interlocks in battery EVs.
“With the current fuel prices, councils need support to future-proof their workers and fleets – we’re delivering exactly that. The Minns Labor Government’s Fresh Start program is equipping mechanics to service electric vehicles and keep local services running,” said Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.
“There’s never been a more important time to make sure local government staff have the skills they need to keep their fleets on the road. In uncertain times, the shift to electric is becoming a non-negotiable for councils needing a future-ready plan. This program delivers the skills and roadmap councils need to succeed.
“By upskilling council mechanics to work on electric vehicles, we can cut costs, keep jobs local and in-house to make sure councils are ready for the shift that’s already underway. It’s about doing things smarter and backing our workforce for the future.”
The workshops are funded by the Government as part of its $252 million Fresh Start program which is enabling councils to hire an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across the state.
