The number of EVs in New Zealand is gradually increasing, creating a higher demand for qualified mechanics.
Dunedin’s Otago Polytechnic delivers a level 5 programme for those training in automotive engineering to gain the knowledge and skills to repair and maintain EVs.
Automotive electrical department principal lecturer Kevin O’Neill said he had been delivering EV training up and down the country for the past seven or eight years.
He was a part of the team that created the programme in 2019.
"Me and a couple others in this team originally developed the programme from the ground roots up — all the content, delivery, assessment."
Mr O’Neill said the programme was popular, but he hoped see it grow even more.
He described the programme as a "supply and demand", relying on student interest and a continued uptake of EVs.
"As the volume of cars grows, the need grows and we get more people."
The course started with about 25 students and had increased to about 200 across four terms.
The programme taught students how to diagnose, repair and return EV vehicles to service.
Mr O’Neill said the programme was created in addition to the automotive engineering course as many components of EVs were similar to regular vehicles.
"The course is more specific on the different components and hence why the level 5 works quite well because you’re already taking in people that are 80% already there.
"We just got to give them that last 20% of knowledge and training which is a lot quicker overall."
He said there was not much difference between an EV mechanic and a regular mechanic, except the higher level of safety due to working with such high-voltage components.
The course attracted people in trades related to automotive engineering such as electrical engineers.
"We’re starting to get a lot of other businesses — they can see that electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles will provide new opportunities for jobs."
He anticipated soon there would not be the need for a level 5 EV programme as EV expertise would probably be integrated into the automotive engineering course.
