The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) convened over 130 stakeholders from across Australia, exploring the skills and workforce challenges emerging from the rapid uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). 

Held in Melbourne, the Charged for Change: EV Skills Summit brought together leaders from industry, unions and the training sector across the automotive and mining sectors at a critical point in Australia’s transition to electrification. With EV adoption accelerating, the Summit focused on how training system, workforce capability and safety standards must evolve to keep pace with industry transformation across the full EV lifecycle.  

AUSMASA Chair, Nicky Firth told attendees that systemwide cohesion is ‘critical’ in the face of rapid EV uptake across the country. 

‘Nearly 10% of new passenger sales are now electric, and Australian buyers have more than 120 EV models to choose from. The pace of change is real, and it's inspiring,” Ms Firth said. 

AUSMASA CEO, Dr. Gavin Lind said AUSMASA’s role was to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and achieve practical solutions to skills challenges. 

‘We want to understand where capability gaps are emerging, where the pressure points exist within the training system, and where safety, standards and workforce readiness intersect with skills,’ Dr Lind said. 

‘Most importantly, we want to identify where AUSMASA can act within our remit to support industry through this transition.’ 

The program featured a panel discussion with representatives from AUSMASA’s tripartite network, followed by facilitated breakout sessions.