South Australia’s first dedicated electric vehicle training centre will prepare the automotive industry to sell, service and repair the rapidly growing number of EVs on our local roads.
Premier Peter Malinauskas today joined the Motor Trade Association SA/NT to officially launch the facility at the industry organisation’s state-of-the-art Royal Park workshop.
MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs said the organisation would be able to deliver additional electric vehicle training as a result of the new centre.
“More and more South Australians are choosing to purchase an EV and this new centre will help facilitate this ongoing and future demand,” Jacobs said.
“Students will be undertaking their training on the latest vehicles with the latest tools, technology and safety requirements.
“The centre will also allow the MTA to upskill existing technicians who are beginning to see EVs in their workshops and businesses for the first time.”
Darrell Jacobs said the first of its kind training centre in South Australia would also be used to combat persistent automotive skills shortages.
“The automotive industry has an opportunity to attract a whole new range of young people to work on really exciting vehicles with cutting edge technology and advanced electronics,” he said.
“As part of the MTA’s blended model of training, new apprentices now receive accredited EV training.”
The MTA Electric Vehicle Training Centre has a range of the latest vehicles including the Hyundai Ionic 6, Kia Nero and BYD Atto 3, insulated workshop tools, hoists and safety equipment.
The MTA has also partnered with myenergi for five chargers which will allow the training provider to use its renewable energy, charge EVs outside of peak times and reduce energy bills.
According to the latest May figures, five per cent of all new cars this year in South Australia have been electric vehicles. This has increased from 2 per cent last year and just 0.45 per cent in 2021.