The Motor Traders Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) is calling for government support amid fears the service and repair industry will be “severely ill-prepared” to meet its electric vehicle targets by 2030.
The industry association says there are 49,000 automotive workers in NSW in need of upskilling to safely service and repair electric vehicles.
The NSW Government is working towards a target that EVs will account for 52 per cent of new car sales being EVs by 2030, with “the majority” of new car sales being electric by 2035.
The Australian government has gone further, with a target of 89% of electric vehicle sales by 2030.
But MTA NSW, which will launch the training program later this month, said there was a lack of available training sites and an overall shortage of 38,000 skilled professionals across the country in the automotive sector.
Based on the projected growth of the electric vehicle industry, it is estimated that Australia will need an additional 14,000 qualified electric vehicle technicians by 2030.
It said the cost of upskilling NSW’s automotive workforce alone was estimated at around $100 million.
To work on electric vehicles, automotive mechanics and electricians must undergo specialized safety training.
MTA NSW says a full course can cost up to $3000 per person, with small businesses often having to pay these bills in addition to investing in upgraded infrastructure to service electric vehicles. The report notes that 97% of businesses in this industry are small businesses.
In addition to the New South Wales Government’s investment in the sector, the NSW MTA is calling for changes to skilled migration.
It wants the state government, in conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs, to review the current skilled migration list for NSW and help attract foreign talent to the state, particularly regional areas.
It also calls for stronger recycling processes for EV batteries and an “end-of-life strategy” for internal combustion vehicles “to ensure that these vehicles are sustainably disposed of to protect our environment”.
Other recommendations it has made include:
- A new license category that reflects licensee eligibility to work and repair electric vehicles
- A simpler route to overseas degree recognition
- Mutual recognition of all training provided by OEM courses
- Re-evaluate and clearer regulations for gray EV imports
“Our industry is facing a skills shortage and as we face the biggest transformation in the history of our industry, it is important to prioritize the training of automotive professionals. electricity and battery maintenance to ensure the safety of all people working on electric vehicles. to reduce the risk to drivers,” said MTA NSW Chief Executive Stavros Yallouridis.
“The current system and training availability is inadequate and we are calling on the incoming NSW Government to help fund more statewide EV training to prepare our workforce I.
“Given the large number of electric vehicles that will hit the market between now and 2050, recycling processes must be in place now to cope with the wave of aging cars and damaged batteries.
“The materials in EV batteries can be both caustic and hazardous, so the storage and transportation of used EV batteries must be addressed to protect our environment and ensure a smooth EV introduction. share in the market.”
The next state election in New South Wales is set for March 25, 2023.
The NSW MTA is a state-based industry body representing 28 different motor trades. It is also the second largest training provider in NSW, with over 2000 students and 40 faculty members across the state.
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