He added that EVs are still not a common sight at the motor repair workshops that the association represents.
Still, demand for technicians specialising in such vehicles is only set to rise as 2030 targets for the Singapore Green Plan approach.
RESKILLING TO WIDEN LABOUR POOL
Dr Kwan Kian Hoong, director of the Temasek SkillsFuture Academy at Temasek Polytechnic, noted that only around 10 per cent of mechanics in the nation have the skillsets to service EVs and hybrid vehicles.
To address the gap, the polytechnic is offering three courses covering topics such as EV safety, energy storage as well as various engine management systems to adult learners.
It has accepted more than 100 students since launching the first course last November, including mechanics, workshop owners and car owners.
“(We want) to train more professionals so that … there will be a competent pool of workers in Singapore able to service, maintain and educate car owners to embrace green technology,” said Dr Kwan.
The SMWA noted that while the current National EV Specialist Safety (NESS) certification programme, launched by the LTA to equip the workforce to handle EVs, provide a good foundation, they do not cover systems unique to each EV brand.
The association added that it is working with the tertiary institution as well as Chinese EV giant BYD and German automotive tech firm Bosch for targeted training for their employees.
BYD said it works with NTUC Learning Hub to conduct training courses like the NESS for technicians who maintain the Chinese manufacturer’s commercial vehicles.
Other carmakers like South Korean firm Hyundai said that Singapore’s capable talent pool and upskilling efforts make the country well-prepared to deal with new EV technologies.
The firm produces four EV models at its Jurong facility, where local employees make up nearly 80 per cent of its around 300 workforce, according to the company.
Hyundai noted that Singapore is an attractive location for EV expansion due to its stable business landscape and commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead, Dr Kwan said Temasek Polytechnic will create more “bite-sized” courses for repair professionals to study at their own pace.
“We hope (to) formally qualify them as a specialised professional (to) service … hybrid and electric vehicles,” he added.
