The British-based institute said it is working with its local training partners to bridge the skills gaps as the needs of the industry evolve from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work.
EEV is not just about hybrid and electric cars. It include cars with more efficient internal combustion engines for both petrol and diesel, as well as those with different materials, components and fuel that can make the vehicle more energy efficient, said the senior manager for the institute's South-East Asian branch, Matthew Stuart.
Since 2014, the institute has been working with the Malaysian government to train students in community colleges, with a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, in line with the nation’s aim to be a regional EEV hub. The professional body now has 24 approved training centres in Malaysia, comprising a mix of automotive companies and community colleges, including the Kepala Batas Community College’s Technology Centre for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle and the Pekan Community College.
The Kepala Batas college, for example, has trained over 230 EEV candidates so far.
According to the Malaysia Automotive Human Capital Roadmap, the national EEV venture is expected to create 187,000 new jobs by 2020. EEV-trained workers are also able to command better salaries.
