The Andrews Labor Government in Victoria is committing nearly $1 million in a pilot program to provide the state’s electricians with training to increase the number of EV charging station installers.
Victoria’s minister for training and skills, Gayle Tierney, announced over the weekend an investment of over $950,000 in a pilot program for 500 licensed electricians to gain the skills necessary to become EV charging installers.
The program, which will be led by the Electrical Trades Union and delivered by training provider The Centre for U and Holmesglen TAFE, will also lead to the development of a new course curriculum for accreditation by September – a move which is intended to support more opportunities for electricians through the TAFE and training centre.
“This is a great example of how our TAFE and training sector is providing opportunities for workers to retrain and upskill – while also preparing us for the workforce we need for our clean, green future,” said Tierney.
The pilot project has been funded by the Andrews Labor Government through its Workforce Training Innovation Fund and is supported by the Electric Vehicle Council, EV Choice, Energy Safe Victoria, and Future Energy Skills.
“We know EV technology is becoming more popular and accessible – and it’s a vital component in our plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 – which is why we’re investing in this great project,” added Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria’s minister for energy, environment, and climate change.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.