Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute supported the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union’s (AMWU) Victorian branch in its transition to zero emission buses by developing and delivering related courses for technical and non-technical staff.
About the initiative
The Victorian Government’s $20M Zero Emission Bus Trial aims to inform the transition of almost 4,500 diesel buses to zero emissions. This 3-year trial leads up to 2025 and involves 6 operators across Victoria introducing 52 zero emission buses into their fleets.
Driving this trial, AMWU (VIC) aimed to support its bus workers through this transition period with training and engaged Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute as its training partners. As 2 different skills gaps were identified, the need for a technical staff (e.g. diesel technicians, auto electricians) and non-technical staff (e.g. refuelers, yard hands) training pathway was defined.
The course is currently in development in a collaboration with AMWU as the overarching initiative driver, major Victorian bus companies and Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute as the delivery partners across metropolitan and regional areas.
Outcomes and next steps
For the technical pathway, adapted versions of existing training units were developed and initial classes have been delivered over 3 days in 8-people groups. For the non-technical pathway, a new unit was developed which is pending approval.
These trainings are provided at Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands.
The course development and delivery partnership will focus on the following key next steps:
- Complete the technical pathway delivery with more groups
- Introduce and running the new non-technical staff unit.
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