Harpreet Kaur, the founder, CEO, and director of Nova Anglia College, is synonymous with leadership in electric vehicle (EV) education. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Kaur has distinguished herself by establishing the only institution in the country to offer a degree in Electric Vehicle Technology, the very first of its kind.
“We couldn’t have founded Nova Anglia College without the unwavering support and guidance of my husband, Ajitpal Singh, whose 15-plus years of experience in the Australian education system have been invaluable,” Kaur states. “Together, Ajit and I have been running our business as a family, all within the field of education, for over 10 years now.“
Her vision for the college is to be more than a source of education. Instead, the college aims to provide students with as many practical skills and work opportunities as possible. It wants to help each pupil maximize their potential in an otherwise brand-new industry. Considering the recent global push toward zero-emission initiatives and sustainable transportation, this is no small feat.
Into the Lightning: Delving into Electric Vehicle Education
Nova Anglia College was born from Ms. Kaur’s extensive two-decade career, with the first half rooted in the automotive industry and the latter in education. This unique combination allowed her to identify critical gaps in both sectors and anticipate the future trajectory of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. She recognized the urgent need for a revolutionary educational approach that would prepare the workforce to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving field.
To ensure the course was not only innovative but also aligned with industry needs, Ms. Kaur engaged closely with industry experts. With leaders like Michael Perschke on her team, she gained invaluable insights into market trends, which helped shape the course curriculum to meet future demands. On the academic side, esteemed professionals such as Professor Polman Remco provided their expertise in the Australian education system, ensuring that the course met the highest academic standards.
In addition to academic and industry expertise, Ms. Kaur sought strong governance to guide the college through its formative years. Appointing Gary Hardgrave as Chair of the Board brought strategic leadership and extensive governance experience, further solidifying Nova Anglia College’s foundation and ensuring its long-term success in a highly competitive industry.
Building the Future of EV Education
Nova Anglia College is not just creating a degree program; it is building an entire ecosystem focused on innovation in the electric vehicle sector. The Bachelor of Technology in Electric Vehicles is only the starting point. As the college looks to the future, it plans to expand its offerings to stay ahead of industry trends and prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
One of the major initiatives includes the development of advanced qualifications, such as a Master of Automotive Engineering (Motorsport and E-Racing), which will explore the cutting-edge applications of electric power in high-performance environments. Additionally, Nova Anglia College plans to introduce a Graduate Diploma of Automotive Engineering (Motorsport and E-Racing) designed to upskill the current workforce, especially professionals working on combustion engines, helping them transition into the electric and hybrid vehicle landscape.
The college’s vision goes beyond traditional education. It is committed to incorporating the latest advancements in the EV field into its curriculum, including emerging technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, battery management systems, and other sustainable energy solutions. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Nova Anglia College remains at the forefront of electric vehicle education, continuously evolving to match industry advancements.
By focusing not just on the present but on the future of EV education, Nova Anglia College is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the global workforce needed for the next phase of transportation evolution. Through a holistic ecosystem of learning, research, and industry collaboration, the college aims to lead the way in developing the professionals and innovations that will drive the electric vehicle industry forward for decades to come.
A New Era in Education
Unlike traditional vocational courses or pure engineering programs, Nova Anglia College’s unique electric vehicle degree offering is the first of its kind.
Ms. Kaur’s vision for the future of electric vehicles and the education required to support this evolving industry led to the creation of a groundbreaking course. She identified the critical challenge of driving innovation and persuading the automotive industry to recognize that the future workforce needs to extend beyond traditional mechanics. The industry now requires a new generation of technicians and technologists.
Ms. Kaur emphasized that while the current workforce is predominantly made up of mechanics, the future demands technologists who, though not as extensively trained as engineers, must still possess a solid understanding of the applied sciences essential to electric vehicles and their complex systems. Recognizing this shift, she understood that the market needed a balanced qualification—one that equips technologists with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the electric vehicle industry.
To address this need, Nova Anglia College developed a course that not only meets the demands of the market but also marks the beginning of a new era in education. Her program is designed to bridge the gap between traditional mechanical skills and the advanced technical knowledge required in the electric vehicle sector, ensuring that the future workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Defining Harpreet Kaur’s Leadership
Harpreet Kaur embodies the key qualities of a visionary leader, demonstrating an exceptional ability to foresee future trends and needs, particularly in the realms of education and technology. Her vision is not just about anticipating the future but actively shaping it, driving her to innovate and create solutions that address emerging challenges.
One of her defining qualities is the courage to innovate. Ms. Kaur is not afraid to push boundaries and introduce new ideas, even in traditional industries like automotive education. Her innovative spirit led to the development of a groundbreaking course that bridges the gap between mechanics and technologists, ensuring that the future workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Another cornerstone of her leadership is her ability to build a team with the right mix of experience and expertise. Recognizing that no vision can be realized alone, she has surrounded herself with industry experts and academics who bring valuable insights and skills to the table. This strategic team-building has been crucial in driving the success of Nova Anglia College.
Ms. Kaur’s leadership is also supported by her financial acumen and willingness to take calculated risks. Backed by investors, including her husband, she has been able to secure the necessary resources to turn her vision into reality. This financial support, combined with her strategic foresight, has enabled her to lead with confidence and achieve groundbreaking success in her endeavours.
