Seychelles is strengthening its automotive workforce as six students from the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) travel to China for specialised electric vehicle training. The Seychelles EV Training programme will give the students 18 months of academic and practical experience as the island nation prepares for greater use of electric vehicles.
Six Students Begin 18-Month EV Programme
The Seychelles EV Training programme will see six SIT motor vehicle diploma students travel to China on September 6, 2026. Their airfare is being financed by the Seychelles government, while the Chinese government is providing the specialised training.
The students will spend 12 months studying at a Chinese polytechnic before completing another six months of practical training with companies operating in the electric vehicle sector. They were selected based on academic performance and conduct.
The programme follows an earlier group of eight Seychellois students who travelled to China in 2025 under a cooperation agreement between Seychelles and China.
EV Skills Added to Traditional Automotive Training
The Seychelles EV Training initiative is designed to complement existing education in conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. Students will gain knowledge relevant to the changing automotive industry, including electric powertrains and battery technology.
The first group has already completed its 12-month academic programme and is undertaking practical training. According to SIT, students are gaining experience with Toyota and Nissan while rotating through different areas of the EV industry, including mechanical work, batteries and sales.
This practical experience could become increasingly important as electric cars require technicians with specialised knowledge of high-voltage systems, battery management and electric drivetrains.
Seychelles Prepares for Electric Mobility
The expansion of Seychelles EV Training reflects the country's broader interest in cleaner transportation. As an island nation that relies heavily on imported fuel, Seychelles has been exploring ways to reduce fossil-fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
Having technicians trained specifically in electric vehicles can help address one of the practical challenges associated with EV adoption: maintaining and repairing the growing number of electric vehicles entering the market.
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Local Technicians Could Support Future EV Growth
The Seychelles EV Training programme is also intended to create long-term local expertise rather than relying permanently on overseas specialists.
SIT plans to send lecturers to China for three-month EV technology training programmes. The objective is eventually to enable the institution to teach specialised electric vehicle modules in Seychelles using locally trained instructors.
This could give future students access to EV education without necessarily having to travel overseas.
Training Covers More Than Vehicle Repair
The programme's scope extends beyond basic mechanical servicing. Practical exposure to batteries, vehicle systems and sales can help students understand several parts of the electric mobility industry.
For Seychelles, developing these skills could support dealerships, workshops and other automotive businesses as EV ownership expands.
Conclusion
The Seychelles EV Training programme represents a significant investment in automotive skills as electric vehicles become more relevant to the country's transport sector. Six students will complete an 18-month programme in China, while SIT is also preparing its lecturers for specialised EV training.
The combination of overseas education, practical industry experience and future local teaching capacity could help Seychelles build a stronger technical workforce for its evolving vehicle market.
Do you think Seychelles will need more specialised EV technicians as electric cars become more common? Share your thoughts in the comments
