Leading the charge towards net zero, a nation-first hydrogen vehicle training program is now underway in Victoria.
In a move to advance clean energy and workforce innovation, the pilot program was officially launched at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands today by the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Skills and TAFE – marking a major milestone in Australia’s clean energy transition.
TAFE teachers from around the country were onsite at Docklands eager to take part in the training as they prepare to play a key role in training technicians across Australia for the vehicles of the future.
Developed by Kangan Institute and Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) the initiative upskills technicians to work safely and effectively with hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – a fast-emerging technology in low-emissions transport.
The industry changing initiative is made possible thanks to the Victorian Government’s Skills Solutions Partnerships program.
Kangan Institute will use the funding to roll out a comprehensive clean energy skills package, including:
Adding to the momentum, FMD’s hydrogen-powered truck is now housed at ACE, giving students and teachers direct access to real-world hydrogen vehicle technology as part of their training experience.
Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence is the largest purpose-built automotive training facility in the southern hemisphere. With world-class diagnostic labs and a $1.4 million electric vehicle lab, it trains up to 5,000 students annually across more than 25 specialised areas – making it uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of clean energy training.
Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
“We are investing in skills and training to build the pipeline of workers that Victoria needs.
“This training course is the first of its kind in Australia. It’s great for jobs and great for the economy.”
Quote attributable to Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain:
“This program is a national first – bringing together educators and technicians from every corner of the country to build the skills needed for a zero-emissions future.
“It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when industry and education collaborate to solve real-world challenges. We’re proud to be leading the way in hydrogen vehicle training and helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.”
Quote attributable to Foton Mobility Distribution CEO Neil Wang:
“FMD are proud to be associated with this exceptional initiative.
“When we set out three years ago to bring class-leading zero emissions transport product to Australia, we always knew that there would be a need to not only back the product with exceptional after-sales support and service, but that we would need to foster knowledge-sharing around the technology.
“This partnership with Kangan Institute has allowed us to share technical knowledge gained from millions of km’s of real-world experience.
