Electric vehicle skills training coming to Camosun

A pilot for the new electric vechicle maintenance program will start in fall 2021

As more EVs get on the road in B.C., demand for EV maintenance jobs will continue to increase. 

"We're supporting the growing popularity of EVs by helping auto technicians develop the skills they need to work on EVs in service centres across B.C.," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "The expansion of the EV Maintenance Training program will help grow our EV sector and make it even easier for British Columbians to make the switch to an EV, putting us on the road to a cleaner, better future. 

With $440,000 through the Province's CleanBC Go Electric program and in partnership with Trades Training BC, the program will be offered at Camosun College's Interurban campus in Victoria, Okanagan College's Kelowna campus and College of New Caledonia's Prince George campus. 

The British Columbia Institute of Technology's Burnaby campus initially launched the program in 2019 to provide Red Seal automotive technicians with the skills they need to work on EVs. This program expansion will prepare British Columbians for good-paying jobs of the future and post-pandemic economic recovery. 

"We are laying the groundwork to make the switch to electric vehicles easier and more convenient for people," said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich-South. "By funding this program at Camosun, we are equipping students with marketable skills for a world where more and more EVs will be on the road." 

Red Seal automotive technicians wanting to upgrade their skills in EV maintenance should check each college's website for course details. Pilot training will begin in fall 2021. 

"Camosun is excited to lead the way as the regional provider of electric vehicle maintenance training for Vancouver Island," said Patrick Jones, automotive technician program leader, Camosun College. "Our expert instructors, state-of-the-art teaching technologies and industrylevel 929 square-metre (10,000 square foot) training centre makes Camosun uniquely ready to be an electric vehicle education hub for the local auto industry and automotive technicians seeking to enhance their skills." 

This increased investment in EV training aligns with the Province's StrongerBC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan, which protects people's health and livelihoods while supporting B.C. businesses and communities.

Quick Facts: 

• The Zero-Emission Vehicle Act, passed on May 30, 2019, requires all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in B.C. to be zero-emission vehicles by 2040. 
• Trades Training BC is a consortium of 15 B.C. public post-secondary educational institutions created to promote trades training in British Columbia. Its primary function is to encourage students and others considering career retraining to explore trades as a viable career option. 

Electric Vehicle Technology and Service Program overview

The Electric Vehicle Technology and Service Program will provide Automotive Service Technicians with the knowledge and skills required to safely diagnose, service, and repair high voltage electric vehicles. The program is designed for Certified Automotive Technicians or registered 4th year apprentices, building on experience with conventional vehicle systems, and developing the specialized skills necessary to service and maintain the ever increasing numbers of electric vehicles on our roads. This program intends to meet the current high demand for EV training in the  dealership, independent, and fleet repair community and will be the first of it's kind on Vancouver Island, starting in the late fall of 2021. The program consists of 6 hours of interactive online learning and 30 hours of in class/shop theory and hands-on practical instruction.