Canberra’s first training program for electric and hydrogen vehicle mechanics is set to begin with the opening of a dedicated workshop at CIT Fyshwick.

“The ACT Government is delivering advanced training in emerging industries to make sure Canberrans have the right skills for in-demand jobs – now and into the future,” said Minister for Skills Chris Steel.

“CIT’s new electric and hydrogen vehicle training facility will power Canberra’s renewable transport revolution and equip the workforce with the skills to work in a zero emissions transport.

“As more people make the switch to cleaner vehicles skilled mechanics right across the private sector will be needed to repair these vehicles. This new facility will also train first responders to safely deal with accidents involving electric vehicles, which can have different risks to petrol cars.”

Leanne Cover, CEO of CIT, said the Institute is working closely with industry to co-design training in new and emerging industries such as renewable energy.

“We have worked closely with Tesla and other manufacturers to ensure CIT’s electric-vehicle training for both light and heavy vehicles is cutting-edge to meet local skills needs now and in the future,” she said.

The facility houses the latest simulated training systems and allows students to safely learn an in-demand trade on high voltage electric, hybrid and fuel-cell drives on light and heavy vehicles from up to 20 different auto manufacturers.

CIT is developing a new course to train Canberra’s first EV apprentices under a new Certificate III in Electrical Vehicle Technology in 2023 with more than 160 people already expressing interest in up-skilling in electric vehicle safety and maintenance across a variety of programs including the apprenticeship.

“This new course is a great example of the type of future focused training that we want RTOs to start developing to meet the skills needs of the new economy,” said Mr Steel.

The new facility follows the ACT Government’s announcement last year to ensure every Transport Canberra diesel mechanic would be supported to get the skills they need to work on zero emissions buses, helping to facilitate the development of training to support the private sector transition.

“Our renewables transition is going to create lots of new jobs and bring fundamental changes to existing ones. We want Canberrans to be skilled up and ready so they can benefit from the opportunities ahead,” said Mr Steel.