The Federal Government has announced a plan to help fund training for apprentice mechanics looking to work on electric vehicles (EVs).
It’s expanding its New Energy Apprenticeships Program, providing incentives to encourage more people into sectors that are supporting Australia’s transition to clean energy.
From June 1, the program will be broadened to cover apprentices who work in EV maintenance.
Apprentices will receive up to $10,000 over the course of their training, with the program now covering 40 different occupations.
Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said the Government was “constantly monitoring” programs and “listening to industry” to understand their needs.
“We must do all we can to supercharge our efforts to address climate change, as well as address the acute skills shortages we face to rewire the nation,” he said.
While the types of eligible apprentices have been expanded, the changes will also help assist more people skilling-up in sectors with exposure to clean energy – including automotive – and remove a requirement that an apprentice’s work be solely dedicated to clean energy.
That means automotive technicians in particular will be equipped to provide services for electric vehicles, hybrids, and traditional internal combustion engines well into the future.
Australian Automotive Dealer Association CEO James Voortman said the program expansion came at a “critical time for the sector”.
“The shift toward EVs offers immense opportunity for the development of new skills in Australia and it is exciting to see this recognised and supported through schemes such as the New Energy Apprenticeships Program,” he said.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has also welcomed the Albanese Government’s move.
“These steps are crucial for supporting the integration of electric vehicles into the Australian market and will drive consumer confidence and other target areas needed to support a strong and reliable transport sector,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.
