The Irish Government has launched a new national training centre to develop skills to maintain and repair electric vehicles. That's not just cars, by the way, but also buses, e-bikes, e-scooters, trucks, and other vehicles powered by batteries.
Critical component
The centre will be part of the Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board (ETB) in Mullingar, and according to the ETB, it will be: "A critical component of the State's response to the green transition and will ensure that Irish workers are fully equipped to handle expanding skills requirements of electric vehicles."
The centre has been officially announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, who has allocated an initial tranche of €200,000 of funding. Initially, the centre will be headquartered at the head office of Longford-Westmeath ETB in Marlinstown before moving to more permanent premises. The initial phase will now get started, including the recruitment of staff and the establishment of a project office.
Significant transition
Minister Harris said: "The transition from new diesel and petrol cars is no longer a futuristic concept. It is happening currently. Electric vehicles are outselling new petrol and diesel cars for the first time ever. This is the start of a really significant transition. As the number of EVs on the road increases, a workforce with the knowledge to fix and properly maintain them will be needed. It is clear to us we need a dedicated national centre to focus on the delivery of these key skills, while preparing for future technological advances. This national centre will be based in the Midlands, in one of our growing towns and will be absolutely critical to delivery of the skills of the future."
Green skill and sustainability awareness
Andrew Brownlee, the chief executive of SOLAS, the further education authority, said: "SOLAS welcomes the development of the national centre for electric vehicle skills in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath as a significant milestone in further expanding the national training provision. The skills provided by the national centre by Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board will be essential in supporting the green transition and in realising climate action targets. Our pledge at SOLAS is to provide every further education and training learner with the green skills and sustainability awareness to allow them to serve as agents of change on climate action. A warm congratulations to my colleagues in Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board, and to all of the potential learners in Mullingar and the surrounding areas."
Liz Lavery, LWETB Chief Executive, said: "We are proud to play a pivotal role in this endeavour by hosting the national EV centre. LWETB have a long history in education and training providing post-primary and primary education, high quality further education and training provision, Apprenticeship provision, Music Generation and Youth Services. LWETB is delighted and proud to be expanding into this new area and is committed to developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can drive Ireland's transition to a more eco-friendly future."