EV repairers have finally won their own classification after a long campaign to have the advanced skills recognised as the automotive industry transitions to low emissions future.
EV Technicians will receive their own classification (code 351434) under the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) from 6 December 2024.
This means the Australian Bureau of Statistics and other government departments will formally recognise the occupation separately from other automotive occupations and collect data and build policy accordingly.
Automotive Electricians, for instance, are categorised in a separate occupation, 351231 Automotive Electrician.
Definition
THE ABS definition describes the roles as one that maintains, tests and repairs electric and hybrid vehicles systems and components, including energy storage systems, traction motors and safety interlocks.
It also lists the role’s main tasks, including work on the increasingly popular hybrid vehicles
- Diagnoses and repairs faults in electric vehicle energy storage units and their electronic battery management systems
- Performs service and maintenance of traction motors
- Tests and replaces speed control systems
- Calibrates auxiliary motors and their associated components
- Inspects and repairs system instrumentation and safety interlocks
- Maintains, tests and repairs heating and cooling systems for energy storage units
- Maintains, tests and repairs mechanical systems of electric and hybrid vehicles
Major Victory
The recognition by government is being heralded by Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) as major victory for Victoria’s automotive industry and consumers after a long campaign of advocacy for the change.
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym, said the classification is a win for both the industry and Victorian motorists.
“This new classification ensures our state’s automotive businesses are properly equipped to meet growing consumer demand,” Gwilym says.
“The numbers are strong – EV ownership in Australia has grown from 6,918 in 2021 to 192,439 in July 2024.”
He says the classification is particularly significant for Victorian workshops that are at the forefront of servicing our state’s growing electric vehicle fleet.
“This is about future-proofing Victoria’s automotive industry,” Gwilym says. “With government targets aiming for 50 per cent of new vehicles to be electric by 2030, this classification provides Victorian businesses with the framework they need to confidently invest in their EV capabilities.”
Keeping pace
“This recognition demonstrates how our industry is keeping pace with technological advancement,” Mr Gwilym added. “It formally acknowledges the specialised skills required in the EV sector and shows that our industry is evolving alongside automotive innovation.”
“This achievement reflects VACC’s commitment to supporting both our members and Victorian motorists through industry transformation,” Mr Gwilym said. “It ensures Victorian automotive businesses remain at the forefront of automotive technology and can continue to provide world-class service to Victorian motorists.”