The University of Canberra (UC) and not-for-profit organisation the National Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence (NEVCE) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen Australia's transition to zero emissions transport through collaborative research, workforce development, student engagement and industry education.
The partnership will bring UC's expertise in research and education, together with NEVCE's leadership and technical knowledge in renewable transport and electric vehicle transition, to create new opportunities for students, researchers, industry and government.
Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra, Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten said the partnership is the perfect example of UC partnering with industry to benefit students, research and community.
“This collaboration will create opportunities for our students and researchers to work alongside industry experts creating positive impact and contributing towards Australia's decarbonisation goals,” he said
“The transition to cleaner, more sustainable transport is one of the defining challenges and opportunities of our time. Through this partnership with NEVCE, UC will help to equip industry, government and the workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to accelerate that transition.”
UC and NEVCE will collaborate on research projects, develop educational offerings and support the next generation of transport and sustainability professionals through work-integrated learning and higher degree by research opportunities.
A strong foundation has already been built through the successful delivery of the international project Decarbonisation Pathways for Indonesia’s Buses Infrastructure (DIBI) last year under the Australian Government’s KONEKSI program led by the University’s Associate Professor Ahmed Imran and Emeritus Professor Robert Fitzerald, in collaboration with NEVCE and other partners.
The collaboration will focus on a range of initiatives, including joint research projects under national and international grant schemes, and exploring socio-technical approaches to decarbonising transport through renewable energy solutions.
The partnership will further support the development of future-ready skills among UC students through initiatives including capstone projects, work-integrated learning placements and outreach activities.
“UC’s students are ready to tackle complex problems and lead change on graduation. By connecting them with cutting-edge projects in electric vehicle technology, renewable transport and sustainable infrastructure, we're helping build the workforce Australia needs for the future,” Professor Shorten said.
As part of the collaboration, NEVCE will work with UC to deliver industry-focused education programs that help organisations confidently transition their vehicle fleets to electric alternatives.
One such program is NEVCE's leadership-focused electric vehicle transition course, which equips business and government leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate transport electrification. The course will use NEVCE's 15-Step Model to guide the development of practical and sustainable transition plans. Aimed to help participants understand the key questions to ask when planning fleet electrification.
NEVCE Technical Director and Chair Toby Roxburgh said the partnership would help bridge the gap between industry expertise and workforce development.
“Australia's transition to zero-emissions transport depends on having leaders and organisations that understand both the opportunities and practical realities of electrification.
“Through our partnership with UC and our EV Transition Leadership Course, we're giving participants the tools and confidence they need to make informed decisions about fleet electrification,” Mr Roxburgh said.
“From charging infrastructure and vehicle selection through to financing and change management, the course provides practical, evidence-based guidance for organisations at every stage of their transition.
“We're excited to work with UC to expand access to this knowledge and help build the capability Australia needs for a sustainable transport future.”
The MoU also outlines collaboration on the development of a microcredential unit to be integrated into UC’s course offerings, as well as opportunities to support higher degree by research (HDR) candidates through co-supervision arrangements, advisory roles and potential co-funding opportunities.
“Microcredentials are a powerful way to connect education with emerging industry needs. This partnership will help deliver flexible, practical learning opportunities that prepare people to lead and support the transition to electric vehicles and renewable transport,” Professor Shorten said.
NEVCE is a not-for-profit organisation providing trusted, independent information and training to support the growth of Australia's zero-emissions transport sector. Through digital and face-to-face learning programs, the organisation works with government, industry, media and end-users to accelerate the adoption of renewable transport technologies.
The partnership reflects UC's commitment to preparing graduates for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing economy while supporting Australia's transition to a more sustainable, zero-emissions transport future.