Shannon Chamber Skillnet and TUS Respond to Industry Demand with Ireland’s First Level 7 Electric Vehicle Systems Repair Programme

Shannon Chamber Skillnet and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) have delivered Ireland’s first accredited Level 7 programme in Electric Vehicle (EV) Systems Repair. 

Increasing sales of hybrid and battery electric vehicles prompted Shannon Chamber Skillnet and TUS, along with industry partners, to devise a programme that would equip motor mechanics - more familiar with repairing combustible engines - with the knowledge and ability to repair and maintain hybrids and EVs. 

The new programme has been warmly welcomed by the sector, with the first group of 15 course participants drawn from garage businesses across counties Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Tipperary, Laois and Kilkenny. 

Commenting on the impact of the programme, Alan Kelly, Network Manager, Shannon Chamber Skillnet, said: “Shannon Chamber, via its Skillnet business network, was delighted to collaborate with TUS in delivering this trail-blazing course. Equipping motor mechanics with the skills necessary to diagnose and repair high-voltage electric vehicle systems, which are so essential in the drive to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, complements the work being doing via the Mid-West Sustainability Network to develop an ethos of sustainability in the region.” 

Michelle Guthrie, Development Advisor, Skillnet Ireland, said: “At Skillnet Ireland, we are committed to fostering industry-led learning solutions that equip businesses and professionals with the expertise needed to thrive in a changing economy. This pioneering programme represents a significant step forward in equipping Ireland’s automotive workforce with the critical skills needed for the transition to electric vehicles."   

Dr Orlaith Borthwick, head of flexible and professional learning at TUS, said: “This programme, designed with input from industry, underscores the value of collaboration between Shannon Chamber Skillnet, TUS, and automotive professionals in addressing the critical skills gap in EV technology. Participants who successfully completed the course were awarded a Level 7, 10 ECTS, Special Purpose Award Certificate from TUS, a prestigious qualification reflecting their advanced knowledge and practical expertise in this rapidly evolving sector.” 

Run over 10 weeks - incorporating weekly three-hour sessions, delivered online for nine weeks, with a final two-day in-person workshop in TUS’ Coonagh, Co Limerick - topics covered in the programme covered the key aspects of EV technologies, including powertrains, charging systems, and European electrical safety standards. 

The concluding in-person workshop provided participants with the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical setting, focusing on high-voltage component assessment, risk analysis, and safe repair techniques. 

Following on from the success of the inaugural programme, a second Electric Vehicle Technology (Certificate, Level 7, 10 ECTS) programme will be delivered in September 2025. 

Further information about the Electric Vehicle (EV) Systems Repair programme is available at www.shannonchamberskillnet.com.