Foton Mobility Distribution Pty. Ltd (FMD) are proud to announce that they have signed Deeds of Collaboration with a number of major national education and vocational training Institutions to facilitate the upskilling of trades to support the uptake of zero emissions vehicles, with particular focus on the Bus and Heavy Transport Industries.
FMD will partner with TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, South West TAFE (Vic), Federation University, Deakin University (Victoria) TAS TAFE, TAFE SA, South Metropolitan TAFE WA, MTA (NSW) and MTA (Qld) to work on developing training programs and accreditations to meet the needs of the Transport industry.
Whilst acknowledging that skills shortages exist across the broader economy, the partnerships intend to address this by creating a pathway for already technically trained workers to maintain and upgrade their skills in the repair and maintenance of both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell zero emissions vehicles (FCEV’s), whilst offering entry -level skills training to attract workers across to the new opportunities in the green economy of the future.
The agreements provide the basis and framework for the parties to work together to identify, develop and implement any mutually beneficial educational and training opportunities and projects, in support of both State, Territory and Federal Government zero emissions policies.
Additionally, the parties seek, where possible, to develop a nationally consistent and recognised curriculum catering specifically for the maintenance and operation of new energy vehicles.
FMD GM of Aftersales, Ross Thompson stated that “the partnerships we form with educational institutes are extremely important to us. Not only do they enable us to pass on our extensive body of knowledge around new energy vehicles, but they also help us to understand what skills need developing, and what skills don’t currently exist. In the end, these collaborations will help ensure that the transport sector is able to support the transition to zero emission vehicles”.
Dr. John Flett, Director Strategy & Research at South West TAFE added “South West TAFE is looking forward to collaborating with FMD and our educational partners to develop training resources for bus and heavy Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle operators. Having industry and education stakeholders working together like this is the way of the future”.
Mark Peters, General Manager Fleet, Innovation and Business Intelligence Transit Systems Australia commented “We’re proud of our partnership with Foton in deploying more sustainable bus solutions and we look forward to sharing our heavy vehicle experiences and learnings with zero emission bus technology, across both Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell capabilities. We believe this will help close the skills gap and we congratulate Foton Mobility on the initiative, helping to advance the industry and invest in the next generation of industry professionals”
