Specialised training to support the introduction of electric buses in Australia will form the basis of a new partnership between TAFE NSW and Volvo Bus Australia.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today announced the NSW Government, through TAFE, will develop short courses with Volvo to help mechanics upskill and work safely with industry-leading bus technology.
Mr Lee said the training will play a key role in helping NSW transition to a zero emissions bus fleet by 2030.
“The adoption of electric buses introduces a new range of skills needs that we must address such as working with high voltage systems and understanding the way
vehicles are built, operated, and serviced,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Volvo Bus Australia, to ensure the safety of people working in this industry.”
Mr Constance said the training will provide a framework as more businesses adopt new products in bus assembly, servicing, driving, and managing emergency service
responses.
“With the NSW Government’s commitment to introduce more electric buses, the number of workers who need to be retrained and upskilled to support these vehicles
is growing.
“Volvo is well known for its commitment to safety and I’m pleased to see this collaboration between industry and TAFE,” Mr Constance said.
General Manager of Volvo Bus Australia Mitch Peden said the courses developed with TAFE will set a standard in the industry.
“We see the need for a national approach to training, skills and certification of staff, and are delighted to be partnering with TAFE NSW on these new programs.
“Our operator partners and industry have done a fantastic job in recent years delivering safe public transport – now we have an opportunity to lift safety standards even
further,” Mr Peden said.
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said the training was a win for local jobs.
“This training will ensure local mechanics have the ability to upskill as the industry advances so they are ready for the jobs of tomorrow,” Ms Gibbons said.
The training will be delivered nationally as part of TAFE’s Micro Skills strategy, where targeted skillsets are designed with industry to meet current or emerging skills needs
in a range of jobs.