MITO launches EV certificate

This story first appeared in the April issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

A New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5) has been launched by MITO.

Announcing enrolments are now open for qualified and experienced automotive technicians, MITO chief executive Janet Lane told about 60 guests at the Wellington launch it would take about a month to complete each module – 11 months in all – with the courses covering two theory and six practical unit standards.

A safety component features heavily in the programme, MITO qualifications group manager Michael Alsford says.

And there’s a leadership aspect as well for those who intend moving into supervisory or management roles.

He says the new qualification, approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), will help with EVs’ human infrastructure and encourage more widespread EV adoption.

“Workshops especially will have the opportunity to upskill people and their business,” Alsford says.

He adds that from a safety aspect in particular, it will boost confidence and provide more choice among EV customers as to where they go for servicing and maintenance work.

Alsford says the new certificate is for experienced and qualified technicians and builds on EV safety components now incorporated in light vehicle, heavy vehicle and auto electrical programmes.

He says the programme will be assessed to determine if there is a need for any further training.

Thanking the many involved in helping establish the certificate, including the NZQA and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Lane says it was a “massive” undertaking all done in a year.

Lane says the new course will help with safety in maintaining and servicing EVs.

EECA chief executive Andrew Caseley says EECA was delighted to contribute to the certificate through its low emission vehicle contestable fund.

He says the fund usually gets applications dealing with EVs and charging infrastructure.

“So when we got MITO’s application it threw us into a bit of a spin,” coming from the training sector.

“But I was delighted we could contribute to help with EV certification and inspire confidence in how EVs are serviced and other aspects.”

Caseley pointed out that any incorrect work involving EVs has the potential to cause harm, but that courses like MITO’s will avoid that.

“I’m looking forward to hearing how this programme goes.”

Congratulating MITO on delivering to the milestones set and achieving its aim within about a year, Caseley says the EECA wants to see successful fund applicants deliver as quickly as they can.

He says about 90 fund applications have been approved worth $17.
4 million over five rounds with round six successful applicants likely to be announced around late July or early August.