Tamworth Regional Council is upskilling its workforce through TAFE NSW training as it expands its fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles, as the industry undergoes rapid growth in Australia, with the number of EV buyers doubling in 2022.

It comes as private and public sectors continue to prioritise sustainability and transition their fleets from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.

Nine employees in Council’s mechanics workshop are currently studying a Statement of Attainment in Depower and Reinitialise Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Battery Electric Vehicles at TAFE NSW Tamworth, so they can confidently carry out their roles.

Natasha Beer, Operations Manager – People and Culture at Tamworth Regional Council said the Council is pleased to be working with TAFE NSW as they support their employees to gain the necessary skills to work safely on hybrid and electric vehicles.

“Council is committed to equipping its workforce with the skills necessary for the future. This course is providing local staff with the knowledge they need to adapt to the changing market and excel in their roles,” Ms Beer said.

TAFE NSW Automotive Head Teacher Noel Woodbury said TAFE NSW Tamworth is thrilled to have delivered this crucial training to employees from Tamworth Regional Council.

“The rapid growth of the hybrid and electric vehicles industry calls for a skilled workforce that can respond to the unique challenges presented by this technology,” Mr Woodbury said.

“The Statement of Attainment has been tailored to meet the needs of the community, and help Council employees, accident and emergency response personnel, and workers in the automotive service industries upskill so they can perform essential duties.

“Training is delivered by industry-trained teachers online and face-to-face at TAFE NSW Tamworth in a specifically designed workshop facility – one of the few training facilities in NSW delivering this training,” Mr Woodbury said.

“Participants learn how to depower and reinitialise electric vehicles, calibrate vehicle systems that may need resetting, and apply electrical safety procedures, so they can meet the evolving demands of their roles.”

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au ​​​​​​​