BRIDGING THE COMPETENCY GAP: PREPARING VOCATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION FOR THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE ERA

Abstract

The rapid transition of the global automotive industry toward electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly changed workforce competency requirements. Vocational automotive education institutions are expected to prepare graduates who possess competencies relevant to EV technology, including high-voltage systems, battery management, electric motor diagnostics, and charging infrastructure. However, many vocational automotive curricula remain dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, resulting in a competency gap between graduate skills and industry expectations. This study aims to analyze curriculum readiness in vocational automotive education, identify competency gaps related to EV systems, and propose a collaborative model between educational institutions and industry. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach through curriculum document analysis, literature review, and semi-structured interviews with vocational educators and automotive industry practitioners. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and competency gap analysis. The findings indicate that EV-related competencies are still minimally integrated into vocational curricula and are mostly theoretical in nature. Several critical competency gaps were identified, including deficiencies in high-voltage safety, battery management systems, inverter and motor diagnostics, and EV charging infrastructure. The study also found that limited laboratory facilities, inadequate EV training equipment, and weak industry collaboration hinder curriculum transformation. Therefore, curriculum reconstruction, infrastructure development, and stronger industry partnerships through teaching factory implementation, internships, certification programs, and joint laboratory development are necessary to prepare vocational graduates for the EV era.