Classic-car EV conversion training centre planned for Sydney

Plans are underway to launch a training centre for classic-car electric conversions in Sydney, with a February 2027 target for its first intake.

Sydney not-for-profit the Modern Classic Cars Foundation is planning to train the next generation of classic-car EV conversion specialists, addressing what its founder says is a gap between conventional automotive qualifications and the skills needed to electrify older vehicles.

David Dyer says the proposed centre will operate at Bankstown Aerodrome, beside the organisation’s existing restoration workshop.

He is targeting February 2027 for the first intake, although funding has yet to be secured and the start date remains an aim rather than a confirmed opening.

The centre would accept both apprentices and qualified tradespeople, preparing them to move into jobs with companies converting classic cars to electric power.

Dyer says the work requires skills spanning several automotive disciplines, meaning a mechanic or auto electrician may understand their own trade without being equipped to undertake an entire conversion.

“Current training for people in the automotive industry, mechanics, auto electricians, etc., does not give a person the skills required for this process and that is what we aim to do,” he said.

“We will take on both apprentices and tradespeople and give them the skills required so they can move on to companies in this field.

“It is not possible for the conversion industry to go without the people to do the work.”

Converting a classic involves fitting and integrating an electric motor, battery, charging equipment and controls into a vehicle originally designed around a petrol engine.

Depending on the vehicle and conversion, the work can also require changes to its structure and other mechanical systems. Workers need to understand the original car alongside the electric components being installed.

The proposed centre would build on the foundation’s existing apprentice training, which covers motor mechanics, auto electrical work, panel beating, painting, trimming and engine machining.

Apprentices gain practical experience on vehicles being maintained, restored and modified at its Bankstown workshop.

Dyer established the foundation partly to address the loss of specialist knowledge as experienced tradespeople retire. Its EV conversion plans would combine that understanding of older vehicles with skills in electric drivetrains.

The foundation already has practical conversion experience. Apprentices spent two years rebuilding a 1971 Morris Mini with an electric motor, battery and charging system in place of its petrol drivetrain.

That project also demonstrates the specialist nature and potential expense of such work.

Dyer previously told the ABC that a complete build to the standard of the foundation’s Mini, including extensive restoration and interior work, cost more than $200,000. That figure covered the broader rebuild rather than simply replacing the petrol drivetrain.

The training proposal aims to provide workers for conversion businesses while the foundation continues its broader restoration and specialist vehicle activities.

Dyer hopes to replicate the Sydney training centre in other states once it is operating.

The size of the first intake, detailed course structure and industry partners have yet to be announced, with securing funding the immediate priority.

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