The manufacturing union has criticised Brisbane City Council for not ensuring the majority of electric vehicles for Brisbane Metro will be made here, but the council says Brisbane doesn't yet have the capability to take on such cutting-edge technology.

Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner announced two weeks ago that the vehicle manufacturing tender had been won by Swiss manufacturers Hess, with local support by Volgren in Eagle Farm to fit-out the vehicles.

Deputy mayor Krista Adams says Brisbane workers don't yet have the skills needed to manufacture the Brisbane Metro buses.

Documents presented to the council when approving the multimillion-dollar contract with Hess said the vehicles "will have manufacturing content provided in Brisbane".

That included painting, installation of low-voltage equipment, installation of information systems, and the interior fitout.