Electric Vehicle Training Workshop

TAFE NSW engaged Webber Architects as Head Design Consultant to lead the refurbishment of the automotive body painting training workshop in Building K at Wetherill Park Campus, transforming it into a purpose-built facility for light and heavy electric vehicle (EV) training.

The project involved the full demolition and removal of existing infrastructure, the installation of new equipment, and general upgrades to create modern, industry-grade training spaces. The resulting Electric Vehicle Training Centre provides fit-for-purpose learning environments that align with current and future industry needs, equipping students and apprentices with the skills to maintain, service, and repair both light and heavy EVs.

More than a refurbishment, the facility represents an investment in sustainable transport skills, supporting the growing EV sector and reinforcing TAFE NSW’s position as a leader in technical education.

Our Role as Architect

As Head Design Consultant, Webber Architects was responsible for managing and coordinating the full design process from concept through to documentation and delivery. Our role included:

• Managing a multi-disciplinary design team to deliver the refurbishment and conversion of the existing Building K workshop into a dedicated EV training facility.
• Running design workshops and consulting extensively with a wide project working group, including TAFE NSW Infrastructure, Skills Excellence Networks, teaching staff, industry representatives, statutory authorities, and access advisors.
• Conducting detailed site measurements and integrating specialist EV equipment requirements into the design.
• Delivering an efficient, cost-effective, and functional solution that balanced user needs, project scope, budget, and tight timeframes.
• Ensuring compliance with TAFE NSW Sustainable Design Standards, supporting objectives such as reduced environmental impact, improved operational efficiency, and healthy learning environments.
• Ensuring the design met all statutory legislation, building codes, Australian Standards, and TAFE NSW guidelines.

Who it Serves and How

The Wetherill Park EV Training Workshop was designed to serve a broad community of learners and industry partners:

• Students and apprentices – hands-on access to specialist EV tools, diagnostics, and training equipment, preparing them for careers in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle sector.
• Automotive industry – a pipeline of technicians trained in both light and heavy EV maintenance and repair, supporting industry transition.
• TAFE NSW – a model EV training centre that demonstrates leadership in sustainable education and can be replicated across other campuses.
• Community and environment – contributing to climate action by embedding EV expertise into vocational education, while aligning with broader sustainability goals.

In short, this project is unique because it reimagines an outdated workshop into a state-of-the-art training facility for future transport technologies, delivered through a highly collaborative process that balanced innovation, stakeholder needs, and sustainability.