Kangan Institute now home to electric vehicle lab

A new purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) laboratory was unveiled at Kangan Institute in Docklands last month, which the Victorian Government said represented an exciting step in helping “bridge the emerging skills gap” of trained technicians in Australia.

Victorian Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney officially opened the new facilities on April 3 at Kangan’s Automotive Centre of Excellence at Batmans Hill Drive.

Established thanks to a $1.4 million investment from the state government, the advanced automotive and electrical lab is home to the latest technology in electronic training boards and simulators, new computers and software programs, and sophisticated teaching aids.

This equipment can simulate almost all variants of EVs, making it flexible and adaptable to current and future markets.

Minister Tierney said the facilities would improve the learning opportunities of new students and apprentices, as well as upskill existing industry technicians.

“This investment will support auto industry workers to become fully trained EV technicians – getting them skilled and ready for the jobs of the future,” she said.

With more electric vehicles on our roads, it’s critical that Victorians have the specialist training they need to service them safely.

To coincide with this investment, Kangan Institute will deliver a wide range of EV-specific accredited courses and skills to give those in the automotive industry the chance to upskill. A new apprenticeship program specialising in EVs will give all Australians the opportunity to train and work in an emerging industry.

Delivered through its $12 million TAFE Equipment and Facilities Fund, the government said the program would help achieve Victoria’s target for EVs to make up 50 per cent of all new light-vehicle sales by 2030.

Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio said, “We know EV technology is becoming more popular and accessible – and it’s a vital component in our plan to reach net zero emissions by 2045 – which is why we’re investing in this centre for excellence.” •