Electric blues

26 October 2022

With zero and low-emission vehicle sales cranking up, the Aussie automotive industry is evolving at a rapid pace.

So, it’s important those working in the industry have the tools – in every sense of the word – to keep up.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have up to 800 volts, and the risk of injury is real. Industry people – technicians, body repairers, towing operators – working on these vehicles need to know how to operate them safely, so they can service and repair them correctly and deliver them safely back to motorists.

That’s why VACC and their mates in Tassie (TACC) are working to deliver battery electric vehicle (BEV) training.

VACC has designed a nationally accredited course to ensure the safety of automotive industry folk and is donating learning resources, vehicles, equipment, and safety gear to ensure it is current and relevant to industry needs.

The Automotive Electric Vehicle Training – Stage 1 course is for those working in the automotive industry, including service and repair sector workers, towing operators, and vehicle dismantlers.

Course content concentrates on BEV safety awareness training that includes workshop setup and disconnect/reconnect procedures, with training centres spread across Victoria and Tasmania.

VACC and TACC operate the largest automotive group training scheme in Australia and have long-running relationships with TAFE colleges and other training providers. It’s a union that just makes sense and one that will only get stronger as the Chamber gets further down the EV track.

The onset of electric vehicles means many automotive businesses will come into contact with potentially dangerous systems that require a thorough knowledge of automotive mechanics, electrical systems, and safety precautions.

We must support the emerging needs of the automotive industry and ensure people have the skills they need as we transition to an electric vehicle fleet.

I just have one question: Do electric vehicles come with eight cylinders or six?

See ya on the road folks!

Words: VACC ambassador Shane Jacobson.

To find out about the latest EV skills and training opportunities available, contact VACC Skills Development Centre. P: 03 9829 1130 E: info@vaccsdc.com.au

Want to hear more from Shane? Catch him – along with co-hosts Greg Rust and VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym – on THE GRILLE podcast each month. There'll be auto news and views, industry insights and trends, special guests, and plenty of laughs along the way. Visit: thegrillepodcast.com.au