The EV Skills Shortage: What It Means for Australian Collision Repairers and How to Get Certified

Why Are EV Sales Slowing Down?

Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) market has seen rapid growth, but recent figures indicate a slowdown. While factors like rising electricity costs and charging infrastructure concerns have made hybrids a more attractive option for some buyers, there’s another key issue affecting long-term EV adoption— a shortage of skilled repairers.

For collision repairers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As more EVs enter the market, workshops will inevitably need to handle repairs involving high-voltage systems, battery diagnostics, and ADAS recalibration. However, many repairers lack the formal training and certification required to safely work on these vehicles.

With TAFE and other institutions now offering EV-specific certifications, and remote diagnostic technology like the Repairify solution enabling more workshops to perform complex repairs in-house, businesses that invest in upskilling now will be ahead of the curve. As EV adoption continues to evolve, collision repairers who build the right expertise will be in the best position to meet industry demand and future-proof their businesses.

The Reality: Collision Repairers Are Falling Behind on EV Skills

A 2023 report from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) found that while EV sales in Australia rose by over 200% in 2022, growth in 2023 slowed. One major reason cited? A severe shortage of qualified repairers who can handle EV-specific diagnostics and repairs.

This problem isn’t unique to Australia. In the UK and Europe, repairers have already faced similar challenges—but those who upskilled early are now leading the industry in EV collision repair, ADAS calibration, and remote diagnostics.
So what does this mean for Australian workshops? Early adopters of EV repair training will have a competitive advantage, as insurers and fleet operators look for certified technicians who can repair and calibrate EVs without delays.

How Collision Repairers Can Get EV Certified

While many TAFE institutions across Australia now offer EV-specific training, not all courses are directly relevant to collision repairers. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Understanding Which EV Certifications Matter for Collision Repairers

• Some EV courses focus primarily on servicing and maintenance, which are more relevant for mechanical workshops than panel shops.
• For collision repairers, the most important skills include:
  • Safe depowering of high-voltage batteries
  • Structural repair techniques for EV frames
  • ADAS sensor calibration after collision repairs
  • Understanding OEM repair guidelines for EVs
• Recommended Certifications:
  • Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set – Covers essential safety procedures such as isolating high-voltage batteries, which is critical for body shops.
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Calibration Training – Focuses on recalibrating sensors after windscreen or bumper replacements, a major requirement in EV repairs.
  • Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology – More comprehensive but includes skills not all panel shops will need (e.g., drivetrain servicing).
  • Short Courses in EV Safety & Handling – Many TAFE campuses offer workshop-focused EV safety courses, which can be a quick way for smash repairers to gain necessary skills.

2. Where to Get Certified

TAFE institutions across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia now offer EV-related certifications, with some designed specifically for repairers.

To find the right course for your workshop:

✔ Contact your local TAFE or industry training provider to check which courses align with collision repair skills.
✔ Look for training programs endorsed by automotive industry groups like AMBRA, or MTAA.
✔ Ensure the course covers safe handling of EV components, as many general mechanic courses focus more on servicing than repairs.

How Repairify Supports EV Collision Repairers

While getting certified is a critical step, workshops also need the right tools to diagnose, repair, and calibrate EVs efficiently.

1. Remote EV Diagnostics

Repairify’s remote diagnostics technology enables workshops to run OEM-level scans on EVs without needing dealership intervention. This means faster fault detection, less reliance on manufacturer service centres, and more control over repair timelines.

2. ADAS Calibration for EVs

Modern EVs rely heavily on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic braking.

• After a collision repair, these systems must be precisely recalibrated.
• Repairify’s remote calibration solutions allow workshops to perform ADAS recalibrations in-house, eliminating delays.

3. OEM-Level Programming Without Dealership Wait Times

Many EV manufacturers require software updates and module reprogramming after repairs.
With Repairify’s remote programming tools, repairers can access OEM software without needing to send vehicles off-site.

Final Thoughts: Get Certified & Get Ahead in EV Collision Repair

The demand for EV-certified collision repairers is growing, and workshops that prepare now will be ahead of the competition.
By getting the right EV certification, investing in advanced diagnostics and calibration tools, and embracing remote technology, repairers can ensure they stay relevant as EV adoption continues to rise.
With TAFE courses available now and Repairify’s remote diagnostics making EV repairs easier, there has never been a better time to future-proof your workshop.

Want to learn more?

• Contact your local TAFE to explore EV certification courses
• Contact Repairify to see how our diagnostic and calibration solutions can support your workshop

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