Minister Marian Harkin Visits TUS Coonagh Campus to See Impact of Industry-Led EV Technology Training Programme Supported by CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet
Minister of State Marian Harkin visited the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Coonagh Campus in Limerick to see first-hand the delivery and impact of the innovative EV Technology flexible learning programme, developed to address an emerging skills challenge across Ireland’s transport and automotive sectors.
The 10-week programme, delivered by TUS in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and funded through CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, is the only accredited Level 7 EV Technology course of its kind in Ireland. Since launching in 2023, more than 160 motor technicians from across the country have completed the programme, gaining the specialist knowledge required to work safely and effectively on high-voltage electric vehicle systems.
During the visit, Minister Harkin met graduates of the programme who shared their experiences of completing the course and applying their new skills across automotive, public transport and fleet maintenance environments.
During the visit, Tim Hayes, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), welcomed Minister Harkin and thanked TUS for hosting the event. He highlighted CILT’s role as the professional body for Ireland’s logistics, transport and supply chain sector, with a focus on advancing skills, professional development, standards, best practice and values.
Mr Hayes also outlined how the EV Technology programme came about. The need was first identified within CILT when Ailbe Burke, a Fellow of the Institute and lecturer in transport at TUS, raised concerns at a CILT Education meeting about the risks associated with electric vehicles if they are not maintained correctly in line with required annual standards. Those concerns highlighted a clear industry skills gap and led to collaboration between CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, TUS and industry partners to design a targeted training programme. Bus Éireann, which was expanding its electric bus fleet and seeking to upskill its maintenance teams, was one example of the industry demand behind the course. With support from Skillnet Ireland, Government and EU funding, the programme was developed to help meet this emerging need.
The course has been a great success with the number undertaking the course far greater than initially estimated.
The President thanked the lecturers for the excellent course they put together.
James Kearney, Network and Education Manager at CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, added:
“What makes this initiative particularly impactful is that it was shaped directly by industry need and delivered through strong collaboration between education and employers. When the initial demand significantly exceeded expectations, it reinforced the importance of creating accessible and flexible learning opportunities in this space.
Through CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet, our focus is on helping businesses prepare for change by investing in people. This programme provides technicians and transport professionals with the specialist skills needed to support fleet electrification while balancing work and personal commitments.”
During the visit, Minister Harkin also toured the TUS Coonagh Campus, which officially opened in April 2024 and has quickly established itself as a centre for advanced technical education and flexible industry-led learning in the Midwest.