Preparing the automotive service and repair sector for an electric future

An independent provider of automotive training and apprenticeships in Queensland, the MTA Institute is now preparing its trainees to work on hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

The MTA Institute commenced delivering dedicated hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology training in 2018. 

It was one of the first registered training organisations in the country to offer accredited training in the area and says it has taught hundreds of technicians over the last four years, attracting mechanics from across the country and the world.

As HEVs and BEVs continue to increase in popularity among local car buyers, training that delivers the required skills and knowledge to correctly service and repair the vehicles has never been more sought after. 

The MTA Institute says it is now imperative that all workshops ensure their workforce is upskilled and prepared for the influx of vehicles expected to come in for repairs and maintenance in the coming years.

A key component of the three-day course offered by the MTA Institute is the completion of AURETH101 – Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles. 

This unit of competency has been identified as a prerequisite for automotive technicians to access safety information under the new motor vehicle service and repair information sharing scheme (MVIS) which commenced on July 1, 2022.

“We take great pride in delivering industry leading training that directly improves the skills of technicians in the automotive sector,” MTA Institute general manager Paul Kulpa says. 

“Our training delivers critical knowledge at a time where electric vehicle technology is increasing on the workshop floor. 

“Understanding this technology is complicated and dangerous, it is not something you can learn solely on the job, so it is vital for automotive professionals to complete the accredited training prior to attempting to inspect or service a hybrid or electric vehicle.

“With the impending introduction of legal requirements to access safety service and repair information in Australia, workshops must upskill their employees now to ensure they can access hybrid and electric vehicle data and work on those vehicles.”

The AURSS00064 – battery electric vehicle inspection and servicing skill set and AURSS00037 – hybrid electric vehicle inspection and servicing skill set course is regularly scheduled throughout the year, with limited places available.