Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are emerging as part of the next generation of zero-emission transport. As these technologies enter the Australian market, the automotive workforce will need new skills and knowledge to inspect and maintain vehicles safely. 

To support this transition, the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) has completed a project to develop new hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle training products for the AUR Automotive Retail, Service and Repair Training Package. 

The project developed training products to ensure technicians have the necessary knowledge to work safely with hydrogen-fuel cell electric vehicles, while also aligning with existing automotive qualifications. 

"As new vehicle technologies emerge, these training products support technicians to safely work on hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles as they become more prominent in the Australian market,” said Caroline Winter, Training Product Development Manager. 

New training products for an emerging technology 

Endorsed training products are available on the National Training Register, designed to support the safe maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These include: 

• Two new units of competency 
  • AURETH017 – Work safely with hydrogen in the automotive industry 
  • AURETH018 – Inspect and maintain the hydrogen fuel cell system 
• One new skill set 
  • AURSS00065 – Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set 

Integrating hydrogen capability into existing qualifications 

Alongside the new training products, 9 automotive qualifications have been updated to include the training products as electives. 

This ensures that both apprentices and seasoned technicians can begin developing the skills needed to work with hydrogen vehicles as the technology becomes more widely adopted.  

By incorporating hydrogen capability into existing training pathways, the revised training package supports a workforce that can adapt to changing vehicle technologies. 

Developed with industry 

The training products were developed through thorough consultation with industry stakeholders, training providers, and technical experts. 

Public consultation rounds and input from technical committees helped ensure the training reflects real-time workplace needs and aligns with national training standards. 

Industry feedback highlighted that hydrogen vehicles introduce new safety considerations and maintenance requirements. The resulting training products, therefore, highlight both safe work procedures and technical skills in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

Supporting the transition to zero-emission technologies 

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles generate electricity using hydrogen gas, producing zero tailpipe emissions while offering fast refuelling and extended range. As global interest in hydrogen grows, these vehicles are set to play an increasingly vital role in the future transport mix. 

As these technologies continue to develop, Australia's automotive workforce must have the skills needed to ensure vehicles are inspected and maintained safely. Working with hydrogen systems introduces new safety considerations and technical requirements that differ from those of traditional internal combustion engines. 

By developing these new training products, AUSMASA is helping ensure that training keeps pace with emerging technologies and that technicians are equipped with the skills needed to safely support the vehicles of the future. 

To learn more, visit the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Project page.