$3M EV Training Equipment Upgrade For TAFE QLD

The Federal Government has committed $3 million from the TAFE Technology Fund to further enhance electric vehicle training in Queensland.

The grant will be used to install cutting-edge battery electric vehicle (BEV) training simulators, used BEVs, 3D scanners and virtual reality headsets at TAFE Queensland’s Acacia Ridge (Brisbane South) and Bohle (Townsville) campuses.

The BEV Training Simulator project will support high-quality hands-on learning for students, and training and upskilling to support EV maintenance and repair.

This investment is critical to supporting renewables skills priorities as Australia transitions to net zero and a ‘Future Made in Australia’.

The Government’s $50 million TAFE Technology Fund is upgrading and expanding TAFE facilities across the country, including laboratories, workshops, equipment and simulated learning environments.

This latest investment builds on opportunities created through the Government’s ‘Fee-Free TAFE’ initiative, which removed financial barriers to enrolment for over 355,000 Australians in 2023.

Nearly 70,000 Queenslanders enrolled in fee-free TAFE last year, including almost 27,000 in regional and remote areas of the state.

The Government is investing $502.9 million for an additional 320,000 fee-free TAFE and VET places nationwide over the next three years.

“Skilling more Australians to be able to take advantage of emerging technologies is critical to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, says.

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting Queenslanders to access high-quality vocational education and training, especially as technology changes.

“Our $50 million TAFE Technology Fund helps ensure TAFEs are equipped to deliver training to the standards expected by students and industry.”

Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum, adds that the initiative makes sure everyday Queenslanders can access the high-paying, future-proof jobs in our burgeoning clean energy industries.

“We want Queenslanders at the front of the line for good local jobs in the booming electric vehicle industry, so these investments are about creating real opportunities for everyday people,” he says.

“It’s Labor who has led the way in the new qualification in automotive electric vehicle technology and thanks to our free TAFE program many of the Queenslanders undertaking it will be doing it for free.”