Minister visits EV training facilities in Roscommon and Limerick
Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, recently visited the electric vehicle (EV) training facilities at Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Limerick.
The visits provided an overview of current EV training programmes and an opportunity to engage with learners, programme coordinators and industry representatives.
GRETB instructor Dasos Michaelides briefs Minister Marian Harkin and attendees on the EV training programme in Roscommon Town, delivered in collaboration between GRETB and Roscommon County Council (Photo credit: Roscommon People)
Speaking ahead of the visits, Minister Harkin said: “These visits provide an important opportunity for education providers to share their perspectives on how Government can best meet the growing demand for skills to support Ireland’s transition to electric vehicles.
“As a Government we are encouraging EV sales through a number of grants. We must ensure our workforce is equipped with the skills needed to service and maintain these vehicles for now and into the future. I was delighted to visit GRETB in Roscommon town and the number of programmes co-developed by Skillnet Ireland and TUS in Limerick, highlighting the existing training programmes that are currently available.”
The increasing need for EV training and upskilling within the motor industry will be a key focus of an upcoming symposium as part of the National Skills Roundtables taking place on 7th July.
This event will examine developments at European level and review how current provision is addressing the critical workforce challenges Ireland faces.
Minister Harkin also highlighted the importance of the work already undertaken in collaboration between the tertiary education sector and industry: “I am working with the officials and SOLAS to update existing mechanic apprenticeship programmes to incorporate EV components, alongside the efforts of the ETBI Future Building Skills team in developing a Climate and Green Careers Chart.
“This chart highlights a broad range of courses across the climate and green skills sector, including programmes for those seeking to work with EV and hybrid vehicles. It is designed to support school leavers, individuals looking to upskill, and those considering a career change, by clearly outlining the pathways and opportunities available to them.”