As the zero-emission transportation industry expands exponentially, the demand for technicians that are familiar with the new technology is growing just as fast, if not faster. The clean trucking industry is in dire need of technicians to help maintain heavy-duty electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and even energy management systems for solar and battery storage.
Locally in Southern California, Rio Hondo College and San Bernardino Valley College’s Automotive Technology programs use both theory and hands-on application-based curriculum to teach students how to keep clean vehicle technology up and running. Curriculum ranges from electric vehicle and fuel cell technology to alternative fuels, and includes safety protocols for high-voltage EV propulsion systems.
As a part of the JETSI project’s workforce development initiatives, more than 20 students and faculty from Southern California heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle maintenance programs were hosted at ACT Expo on May 4th, 2023. The students and faculty from Rio Hondo College and San Bernardino Valley College were granted complimentary ACT Expo passes and lunch, courtesy of JETSI project funding partners.
The guests toured the exhibit hall featuring more than 275 exhibitors in the clean commercial transportation market and visited JETSI project partners Electrify America, Black & Veatch, Daimler Trucks North America, and Volvo Trucks North America.
Students and faculty spoke with representatives from each company to gain insight into what services and technologies each company provides, as well perspectives on the growth of the industry and potential entry-level employment opportunities. During their visit, four students were excited to secure onsite job interviews for positions with JETSI project partners, reinforcing that there is ample opportunity ahead.
The students are heading into an industry of high demand, and making these connections with industry experts will only propel their post-academic careers. To learn more about the JETSI project’s workforce development, visit Workforce Development.
