Practical EV training gets a boost at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus
Automotive apprentices and technicians at TAFE Queensland's Toowoomba campus are benefiting from a donation made by Tesla, with the company providing a Power Conversion System to support the next generation of electric vehicle specialists in September 2026.
The donation will enhance practical learning opportunities for automotive students and apprentices, helping them develop job-ready skills using industry-standard electric vehicle technology.
Tesla Associate Service Manager, Ziye Li, on behalf of North Regional Service Manager Mr. Brendan van de Donk, said the company was proud to support training and workforce development in the Darling Downs and South West region
"We're pleased to help local students and apprentices as they prepare for careers in a rapidly changing automotive industry in Queensland,” said Mr. Li.
“Access to real-world technology helps bridge the gap between training and the workplace, giving technicians valuable practical experience and confidence in working with electric vehicle systems."
TAFE Queensland Executive Director, Education and Training (South West Region), Anne Scott, said access to contemporary technology was essential to ensuring students were prepared for the electric vehicle service and repair sector.
"As more electric vehicles hit our roads, we're seeing growing demand for technicians with the skills and knowledge to work on these technologies,” said Ms Scott.
“It's important that our students have access to the same equipment and systems they'll encounter in the workplace. This donation provides an exciting opportunity for students to develop practical, job-ready skills using industry-standard electric vehicle technology."
"I'd like to thank the team at Tesla for their donation and ongoing support of skills development in our region. Partnerships like this help ensure our training remains relevant, responsive and aligned with industry needs."
The donated Power Conversion System is designed to support practical training for students undertaking the Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set (AURSS00064).
The skill set equips automotive technicians with the knowledge and hands-on skills to safely depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles, carry out testing and maintenance activities, diagnose and repair high-voltage rechargeable energy storage systems, and troubleshoot system instrumentation and safety interlocks in battery electric vehicles.
The equipment will also provide valuable exposure to electric vehicle technology for apprentices completing the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620), helping them develop an understanding of electric technologies that are becoming increasingly common across the automotive industry.
TAFE Queensland welcomes the opportunity to explore a broader partnership model with Tesla’s Northern Region service team, led by Mr. van de Donk — from curriculum engagement, guest presentations from industry experts to the provision of equipment or components to support training delivery.
Pictured above from left to right, TAFE Queensland Automotive Teacher Eddie Edirisinghe Arachchige, Tesla Associate Service Manager Ziye Li, lead of Tesla's Brisbane mobile team Steve Wright, TAFE Queensland Manufacturing Faculty Director Jace Willocks and TAFE Queensland Business Development Manager Wendy Young in the automotive workshop at TAFE Queensland's Toowooomba campus.