The Board of Investments (BOI) is seeking to strengthen the Philippines’ electric vehicle (EV) talent pipeline through a potential partnership with China’s largest automotive vocational education institution, as the government works to attract more EV manufacturing investments.
Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo led discussions with Beifang Automotive Education Group on developing technical training programs, certification systems and specialized EV training facilities to help address the country’s shortage of skilled automotive workers.
The initiative comes as the Philippines steps up efforts to build a competitive EV manufacturing ecosystem, with workforce readiness emerging as a key factor in attracting global automakers alongside fiscal incentives and infrastructure.
Rodolfo said developing a highly skilled workforce is essential as the country seeks to expand its role in the global automotive value chain and capture more investments in electric mobility.
He also proposed positioning the Philippines as a regional training hub for new energy vehicle technologies in Southeast Asia, including the establishment of a flagship EV training center that could serve both local and regional industries.
The discussions were attended by industry groups, including the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., the Truck Manufacturers Association and the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, underscoring broad industry support for upgrading technical skills.
Founded in 1993, Beifang Automotive Education Group is China’s largest automotive vocational education institution and a manufacturer of automotive training equipment. Its programs cover internal combustion engine, hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen vehicle technologies, supporting workforce development for global automotive brands including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Toyota, BYD, Tesla and NIO.
The meeting concluded with both sides identifying potential areas for collaboration in automotive education and technical skills development, with Beifang inviting BOI officials and Philippine industry stakeholders to visit its Beijing headquarters to explore its training platforms and education systems.
