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.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"We are investing in skills and training to build the pipeline of workers that Victoria needs."
"This training course is the first of its kind in Australia. It's great for jobs and great for the economy."
As stated by Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks
"The Skills Solutions Partnerships program will give industry confidence that a skilled workforce is ready to support the safe and efficient rollout of hydrogen vehicle technology across Victoria."
"By investing in the skills of the future, we're ensuring industry can invest, innovate and scale with certainty in a rapidly evolving transport sector."
As stated by Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt
"This program is a win for Victoria - it creates local jobs, supports our TAFE sector and positions Victoria at the forefront of the clean transport revolution."
As stated by Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain
"This program is a national first - bringing together educators and technicians from every corner of the country to build the skills needed for a zero-emissions future."
"It's a powerful example of what's possible when industry and education collaborate to solve real-world challenges. We're proud to be leading the way in hydrogen vehicle training and helping shape the workforce of tomorrow."
