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The Federal Government has announced a plan to help fund training for apprentice mechanics who want to work on electric vehicles (EVs).
It is expanding its New Energy Apprenticeship Program, providing incentives to encourage more people into sectors that support Australia’s clean energy transition.
From June 1, the program will be expanded to include trainees who work in electric vehicle maintenance.
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Interns will receive up to $10,000 over the course of their training, with the program now covering 40 different occupations.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said the government was “constantly monitoring” the programs and “listening to industry” to understand their needs.
“We must do everything we can to scale up our efforts to tackle climate change as well as address the acute skills shortages we face to rewire the nation,” he said.
While the types of apprentices eligible were widened, the changes will also help more people gain skills in sectors with exposure to clean energy – including automotive – and remove the requirement that an apprentice’s work be dedicated solely to clean energy.
This means that automotive technicians in particular will be equipped to provide services for electric vehicles, hybrids and traditional internal combustion engines in the future.
Australian Motor Dealers Association chief executive James Voortman said the expansion of the program came at a “critical time for the sector”.
“The transition to electric vehicles offers a huge opportunity to develop new skills in Australia and it’s exciting to see this recognized and supported through schemes like the New Energy Apprenticeship Programme,” he said.
The Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry also welcomed the Albany government’s move.
“These steps are critical to helping the integration of electric vehicles into the Australian market and will drive consumer confidence and other targeted areas needed to maintain a strong and reliable transport sector,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.
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