Victoria is set to roll out Australia’s first accredited course to train automotive technicians in servicing and maintaining hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy vehicles, in a move designed to prepare the workforce for the growing clean transport sector.
The program, co-designed by Kangan Institute and Foton Mobility Distribution, will be delivered through the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence with support from the Victorian Government’s Skills Solutions Partnerships program. This initiative brings together industry, TAFEs and dual sector universities to co-design and pilot targeted courses that address pressing skills shortages.
With more than 27,000 automotive technicians in Victoria, the course will be scaled up to meet expected demand as hydrogen vehicle use expands. Thirty students have already enrolled, with classes beginning at the end of August. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, which emit only water vapour, are being promoted as a clean energy alternative for freight and passenger transport. Victoria currently has three renewable hydrogen refuelling stations, including the nation’s only publicly accessible facility.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said: “We are investing in skills and training to build the pipeline of workers that Victoria needs. This training course is the first of its kind in Australia. It’s great for jobs and great for the economy.”
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said: “The Skills Solutions Partnerships program will give industry confidence that a skilled workforce is ready to support the safe and efficient rollout of hydrogen vehicle technology across Victoria. By investing in the skills of the future, we’re ensuring industry can invest, innovate and scale with certainty in a rapidly evolving transport sector.”
Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt said: “This program is a win for Victoria – it creates local jobs, supports our TAFE sector and positions Victoria at the forefront of the clean transport revolution.”
Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain said: “This program is a national first – bringing together educators and technicians from every corner of the country to build the skills needed for a zero-emissions future. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when industry and education collaborate to solve real-world challenges. We’re proud to be leading the way in hydrogen vehicle training and helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.”
The government has allocated $4.75 million to extend the Skills Solutions Partnerships program as part of its Economic Growth Statement, with a second round of projects to be announced in the coming months.
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