A surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales and growing industry demand have sparked a state-first automotive trade apprenticeship.
The newly funded Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology supports the booming electric vehicle sector – and will help ensure South Australia has the skilled workforce needed to safely service, diagnose and repair these vehicles.
Demand for EV technicians is increasing as sales of battery and plug-in hybrid models continue to rise – accounting for around one in every four new vehicles sold in South Australia in the first half of this year, a historic 23% of all new sales.
Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) data also shows battery electric vehicle sales in June 2026 were up 144% compared to June 2025, and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales increased 98% on the year prior.
In the first half of this year, more than 15,800 battery, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles were sold in SA according to the Australian Automobile Association.
The State Government will subsidise each training place in the new apprenticeship pathway to significantly reduce costs for South Australians gaining vital skills.
MTA Training and Employment will deliver the inaugural program, which will train new apprentices and offer upskilling opportunities for current workers.
This is the first 4-year trade apprenticeship focused on electric vehicles in SA and builds on the Government’s investments into short, upskilling courses and nation-leading automotive dual trade apprenticeships.
It follows advocacy from major dealerships, vehicle manufacturers and employers to increase specialist EV servicing and repair capability – and improve safety on the workshop floor.
The qualification will provide transferable EV servicing skills across the automotive sector, regardless of manufacturer, and qualified individuals will be able to service, diagnose and repair battery electric vehicles and components to national standards.
The Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology will be added to the Subsidised Traineeship and Apprenticeship List next month.
