Additional training spaces are opening up at VIU for mechanics to get better acquainted with electric vehicles, which are making up an increasingly larger percentage of vehicles on B.C. roads. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

EXTRA TRAINING

New auto service training spaces for EV maintenance opening at VIU

Mar 22, 2022 | 5:34 AM

NANAIMO — A rise in popularity of electric vehicles is being met by increased education for mechanics who will service and maintain them.

The province recently announced an investment of around $160,000 for Vancouver Island University to offer three intakes of 16 students every year, beginning in January 2023 and specializing in electric vehicle maintenance and service.

Dean Cadieux, chair of automotive and motorcycle programs at VIU, told NanaimoNewsNOW students are needing the modified training to help them be better prepared for the workplace.

“The main difference [between EV’s and traditional vehicles] is the voltage is upwards of 900 volts which causes a safety issue when working around these vehicles and technicians have to be trained on the safety and knowledge of those vehicles.”

Spaces at the university will be for level three and journeymen technicians to upgrade their skills, along with additional skill development for apprenticeship and foundations students.

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Cadieux said the university’s automotive programs are typically in high demand and these new spaces will likely follow suit.

“Our foundation programs are generally waitlisted, if you’re not signed up in March for the upcoming September programming you’re probably not going to get in. Our apprenticeship program, most classes are full a year or two ahead of time.

Roughly 13 per cent of new vehicle sales in B.C. last year were electric, eclipsing a goal the province at set of 10 per cent by 2025.

The province wants the growth in the EV market to continue, with a goal of 100 per cent of all new light-duty vehicle sales being electric by 2035.

Students at Vancouver Island University will get more hands on experience in repairing and maintaining electric vehicles after some provincial funding. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Bruce Ralston, B.C.’s minister for energy visited Naniamo’s VIU campus on Monday, March 21, seeing first hand the university’s automotive program.

He said while supply issues are hampering growth in the short term, rising gas prices continue to make electric vehicles a popular option.

However as growth occurs, it causes an issue down the line.

“Naturally once you get a vehicle, you think ‘who’s going to look after it?’ That’s why we’ve funded throughout the province at a number of colleges, a program that takes red seal mechanics and gives them extra training in the maintenance of electric vehicles.”

Ralston added while B.C. has clear goals on new vehicle sales for electric vehicles, ambition for used vehicle sales isn’t quite as clear.

“It’s inevitable as people get new vehicles, ultimately they become vehicles they want to sell and there’s a growing second hand market. We havee a rebate program for purchase of a new vehicle, we’re looking at a rebate program to help people purchase a second hand vehicle.”

Similar grants for mechanic training were also awarded to College of the Rockies and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

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alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley