business backgrounder | education & workforce
“ Companies who employ certified EV technicians can bolster their brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and advanced technology .”
— Ashley Purdin , dean of technical education at Spokane Community College
hands-on experience
Spokane Community College ( SCC ) will begin offering an electric vehicle certificate through its automotive technology program in the summer of 2025 . The addition is a natural fit for a program that strives to stay on top of emerging technologies and trends .
“ There ’ s definitely a growing demand for electric vehicles globally , which is influenced by environmental concerns and advancements in EV technology as well as by government incentives for both manufacturers and consumers ,” said Ashley Purdin , dean of technical education . “ As we were looking at ways to improve our program and better meet employer needs , EVs rose to the top of our radar .”
SCC used a $ 150,000 grant from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Workforce Development Fund to purchase a Tesla Model 3 that will be used in the program . The car is a specially designed training vehicle with portions cut away to allow students visual and physical access to all major components . LED light strips indicate paths of electrical energy and coolant flow , and the high-voltage system has been replaced with a simulated system to ensure student safety .
In addition to providing hands-on experience with one of the most popular electric vehicles in the world , the new certificate program will offer students a number of benefits , including a higher earning potential , more advancement opportunities , and more diverse career options . It also offers significant benefits to the employers who hire the students .
“ Companies who employ certified EV technicians can bolster their brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and advanced technology . I also think this can enhance their market positioning as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible company ,” Purdin said .
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve and new advancements such as the integration of artificial intelligence take hold , SCC ’ s automotive technology program will evolve right alongside it .
“ This isn ’ t something that ’ s going to go away ,” Purdin said . “ This is the direction of the future .”
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