Ten Napier Port Fleet Services team members have earned their Level 5 electric vehicle qualification through EIT, building the specialist skills needed to support the Port’s growing battery-electric fleet.
The team has completed the New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5), which develops advanced technical skills in areas including electric vehicle drive systems, high-voltage auxiliary systems and battery energy supply systems.
The training forms part of Napier Port’s wider investment in its people as new technology and equipment changes the skills required to operate and maintain a modern port.
Napier Port GM Assets and Infrastructure, David Broad said having the capability within the Fleet Services team to safely maintain and support electric equipment was increasingly important.
“Investing in new technology also means investing in our people. As our equipment and operations evolve, we want to make sure our people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to evolve with them.”
“This is a great example of that. Ten members of our Fleet Services team now have an advanced electric vehicle qualification and can apply that knowledge directly in their work at Napier Port.”
Napier Port Technical Operations Manager, Mark Dunn added, “It is also a significant achievement for the team members involved. Completing a Level 5 qualification alongside their day-to-day roles takes real commitment, and we’re proud to see them achieve it.”
The training supports Napier Port’s ongoing investment in battery-electric cargo-handling equipment and its wider Napier Port Transformation programme.
As part of the programme, Napier Port is introducing 12 new SANY battery-electric trucks and 14 trailers, which will be used to transport containers horizontally between the container yard and the wharf.
The move to battery-electric equipment will reduce the Port’s reliance on diesel-powered container-handling equipment, while supporting a safer, more efficient and lower-emissions container terminal.
Two Fleet Services team members initially completed an accelerated version of the EIT programme to ensure specialist knowledge was available ahead of the arrival of Napier Port’s first battery-electric truck.
The remaining eight team members completed the full programme over approximately 10 to 12 months, combining online learning with block courses delivered at EIT.
Todd Rogers, EIT’s Head of School for Trades and Technology, said the partnership showed what industry and tertiary education can do together as technology reshapes the skills workplaces need.
“The result is technicians with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to support New Zealand’s next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.”
“EIT’s Level 5 programme is designed for experienced automotive engineering technicians and prepares graduates to safely diagnose and repair uncommon and complex faults in electric vehicles.”
Programme Coordinator Scott Cunningham tailored the programme to fit around Port staff’s other work responsibilities and was impressed by the dedication they showed to returning to learning.
“The Napier Port technicians embraced the shift to new vehicle technologies, showing strong adaptability throughout the programme.”
“During practical block courses, they demonstrated a high level of technical understanding and diagnostic capability across EV drive systems, energy supply systems, and high-voltage auxiliary systems.”
For Napier Port Maintenance Engineers Tom Rutter and Connor Small, the qualification has provided knowledge and skills that can be applied directly in their roles.
Tom said the course had significantly increased his understanding of electric vehicle technology.
“I now have a much better understanding of the major high-voltage components, how the systems work together and the safety requirements associated with EVs. The course has already been directly relevant to my role, including when I travelled to China to inspect the new battery-electric trucks being introduced at Napier Port.”
Connor said the qualification had helped build the team’s capability as the types of equipment they support continue to evolve.
“Our experience was primarily with traditional diesel, mechanical and hydraulic systems, so the course was a significant step up in our knowledge and understanding of electric and hybrid technology. That knowledge will help us better understand the equipment, identify issues and support the fleet as more electrified equipment is introduced.”
David Broad said the programme was part of a broader focus on developing the capability of its workforce for the future.
“Technology will continue to change the way ports operate, but our people remain fundamental to making that technology work.
“Building capability within our existing workforce means we can introduce new equipment with the technical knowledge needed to operate and maintain it safely and effectively, while creating opportunities for our people to develop valuable new skills.”
