A new Electric Vehicle Automotive Technician training lab will soon be ready for students at the Community College of Allegheny County’s West Hills Campus in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. The lab, expected to launch in spring 2025, will house the first-in-the-nation registered apprenticeship program for EV automotive technicians, according to the college. 

The registered apprenticeship program will include related technical course instruction and full-time paid on-the-job training with dealerships, independent garages or other related businesses.

Creating a Pipeline of Skilled Technicians

The International Energy Agency has projected that 2.9 million battery-powered electric vehicles will be sold in the U.S. in 2025. This is a 262.5% increase over 2022. Moreover, according to The National Institute for Automotive Excellence, only 1.4% of automotive technicians have some level of EV certification and training. 

Rachel Mauer, President of the GACC Pittsburgh Chapter, said the EV Automotive Technician Registered Apprentice program at CCAC will help create a pipeline of skilled technicians.

"The GACC Pittsburgh Chapter is bringing in the proven German program to create local talent pipelines. In addition to our EV Automotive Technician Apprenticeship program, we are working with area Career and Technical Education providers to register pre-apprenticeship programs for the new EV Automotive Technician Apprenticeship," said Mauer.

Making the Connection Between Technician and Employer

Pittsburgh is home to a White House Workforce Hub, anchored by Partner4Work and led by Mayor Ed Gainey's office. The Pittsburgh Workforce Hub aims to connect people in the region to good-quality careers while removing barriers to employment for job seekers.

"The Electric Vehicle Automotive Technician apprenticeship is groundbreaking and a testament to the power of innovation, equity, and partnership. By providing hands-on, debt-free training, we're ensuring equitable access to the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry while building a more inclusive and diverse talent pipeline," said Robert Cherry, Chief Executive Officer of Partner4Work.

The Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for this Registered Apprenticeship program is initially funded through a competitive Building Pathways to Infrastructure grant from the Department of Labor. Equipment for the lab was purchased with support from the Hillman Family Foundations. The program is a public-private partnership, with federal funding, employer contributions, and philanthropy coming together to build the program.