If you want to work in Electric Vehicles (EV), just like Zahraa Brandt is, the Australian Government is helping establish a Centre of Excellence to provide world-class training.
Working towards net zero
Zahraa Brandt grew up with an interest in cars, but at a distance. What really attracted her to working with EVs was working towards a sustainable future.
“It was exciting becoming familiar with the cutting-edge technology and innovation,” Zahraa enthusiastically said.
First female Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology apprentice
Richard Lindsay, Industry and Training Manager, Canberra Institute of Technology Electric Vehicle TAFE Centre of Excellence, said,
Zahraa is the first female apprentice we have in the Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology, and she’ll indeed be the first qualified female EV technician as she progresses through her apprenticeship.
First EV TAFE Centre of Excellence nationwide
The EV TAFE Centre of Excellence, the first of its kind in Australia, is training and upskilling technicians, apprentices and TAFE teachers nationwide.
Richard explains that all the people enrolled in the Cert III Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology are brand new apprentices, so there is a mixture of students, from those straight out of school entering the trade to mature aged students who have decided to transition into an automotive career, with EV technology being a strong attraction.
Career pathways through VET allows the flexibility to learn in different situations – whether it be onsite training, in class training or online.
Zahraa is the first of three female EV apprentices at Tesla, with this new qualification opening the door to a broader range of applicants to work in this exciting industry.
Hands-on, career proofing experience
The highlight of the course is definitely the hands-on experience to actually get a feeling of how things work, and the ability to ask questions in a face-to-face environment, said Zahraa.
Towards net zero
Richard, who started working in the EV training area about four and half years ago when electric vehicles started to gain popularity has seen fast paced take-up and progress year on year. “When I first started, new registrations for EVs here in the ACT were about one in 60. Now we’re looking at about one in four! This phenomenal growth in EVs has also been seen in other states, which is why the need for EV training is growing so rapidly.”
Zahraa concludes, “When I think about where I started and where I am now, the learning and innovation along the way is priceless – it’s career proofing.”
The Australian Government’s investment in a stronger VET system through the National Skills Agreement is providing the skills Australia needs now and for the future.
More information
- Find out about the National Skills Agreement
- More about TAFE Centres of Excellence
- VET pathways pave the way for successful careers (Your Career)