The USU has been at the forefront in the campaign to ensure the local government sector thrives into the future. Our actions were instrumental in the Minns government funding the $252 million Fresh Start program to employ 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils – therefore building a strong base for the future. (READ MORE HERE)

The Minns Government is backing councils to super charge their electric vehicle fleets, ensuring they have the workforce needed to service and maintain EVs into the future. The USU applauds this initiative which further future=proofs our sector. 

Twelve mechanics from six Sydney councils have undertaken hands-on training during a four-day EV workshop with TAFE NSW. The workshop provides practical, on-the-ground training and the skills needed to power the shift to electric, keep services moving and fleets on the road.

The workshops are funded by the Minns Labor Government as part of the $252 million Fresh Start program which is enabling councils to hire an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across the state.

The Fresh Start program is building a pipeline of skilled workers with over 1,100 already working in councils across NSW. The program is providing careers for young people to work in their local community, which is particularly important for rural and regional communities.

The TAFE NSW EV workshops will give council mechanics the specialist skills to inspect and service EVs as more councils move to electrify their fleets, passing on these new skills to their apprentices. The training includes:

  • Depowering and reinitialising battery electric vehicles
  • Inspecting and maintaining battery electric vehicles
  • Diagnosing and repairing high voltage rechargeable energy storage systems in battery electric vehicles
  • Diagnosing and repairing system instrumentation in safety interlocks in battery electric vehicle.

The first EV workshop was held in Western Sydney, with further workshops planned for both Wetherill Park and the North Coast region later this year.

Premier Minns and his Government have invested in more than 3,300 EV chargers across 1,200 locations including service stations, regional visitor centres, holiday hotspots and residential streets.

General Secretary of the United Services Union, Graeme Kelly said: 

“The United Services Union wholeheartedly supports the Minns Government’s initiative investing in more than 1300 local government apprentices and trainees, particularly the Fresh start EV upskilling project that will ensure councils across NSW are well placed to meet the mechanical needs of the fleets of the future”.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said: 

“With the current fuel prices, councils need support to future-proof their workers and fleets – we’re delivering exactly that. The Minns Labor Government’s Fresh Start program is equipping mechanics to service electric vehicles and keep local services running.

“There’s never been a more important time to make sure local government staff have the skills they need to keep their fleets on the road. In uncertain times, the shift to electric is becoming a non-negotiable for councils needing a future-ready plan. This program delivers the skills and roadmap councils need to succeed.

“By upskilling council mechanics to work on electric vehicles, we can cut costs, keep jobs local and in-house to make sure councils are ready for the shift that’s already underway. It’s about doing things smarter and backing our workforce for the future.”

By your side

Graeme Kelly OAM
General Secretary
United Services Union