EV Training Programs
EV Training Programs are critical to building the skilled workforce required for the rapid transition to electric vehicles, batteries, charging infrastructure, and energy systems. These programs prepare technicians, engineers, and operators for roles in EV manufacturing, EVSE deployment, fleet electrification, and BESS integration. Training programs range from vocational and apprenticeship programs to OEM-certified training, utility workforce development, and upskilling courses for existing automotive and energy workers.
By aligning with OSHA, NEVI, ISO, and SAE standards, EV training programs ensure workforce readiness, safety compliance, and career mobility in the electrification economy.
Key Areas of EV Training
| Training Area | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| EV Manufacturing & Assembly | Preparing workers for production lines in EV and battery plants | Gigafactory technician programs, EV assembly line robotics training |
| Battery Handling & Safety | Safe handling, storage, and recycling of lithium-ion batteries | OSHA-certified high-voltage safety training, battery dismantling and recycling courses |
| EVSE Installation & Maintenance | Certifying electricians and contractors for EV charging infrastructure | NEVI compliance courses, NABCEP solar + EVSE training, utility-approved interconnect training |
| Fleet Operations & Maintenance | Training drivers, mechanics, and fleet managers for EV adoption | School bus electrification programs, driver energy efficiency training |
| BESS & Microgrid Operations | Upskilling for energy storage system deployment and operations | Utility-scale BESS operator certification, microgrid EMS integration training |
| Advanced Vehicle Systems | Preparing engineers and technicians for ADAS, AV, and connected EV systems | Automotive mechatronics, cybersecurity for EVs, autonomous fleet technician programs |
Strategic Importance
- Addresses labor shortages in EV manufacturing, charging, and energy storage
- Provides structured reskilling for ICE workforce into EV careers
- Ensures compliance with safety and technical standards
- Builds the foundation for long-term workforce resilience in electrification
- Aligns with national workforce development goals tied to IRA, NEVI, and ESG
Training Provider Orgs
| Provider Type | Description | EV-Specific Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Automakers & OEMs | In-house or partnered training programs for EV technicians and engineers | Tesla START program for service technicians; Ford EV-certified technician training |
| Battery & Gigafactory Operators | Specialized workforce training for cell production and BESS operations | Panasonic/Redwood workforce programs in Nevada; LG Energy Solution technician apprenticeships |
| EVSE Manufacturers & Networks | Certifications and installer programs for charging infrastructure deployment | ABB EVSE installer certification; ChargePoint installer training modules |
| Community Colleges & Technical Schools | Vocational programs offering certifications and associate degrees in EV technologies | Rio Hondo College EV Technician program (CA); Central New Mexico Community College EV maintenance training |
| Trade Unions & Workforce Alliances | Apprenticeships and certifications delivered via union training centers | IBEW EVSE electrician programs; United Auto Workers (UAW) EV retraining initiatives |
| Universities & Research Institutes | Engineering-focused programs for advanced EV systems, batteries, and power electronics | University of Michigan EV Engineering courses; MIT Battery Research Lab training modules |
| Online & Private Training Providers | Virtual courses and certifications tailored to EV technologies and standards | SAE EV standards courses; Coursera EV technician modules; UL EVSE safety certification training |
| Federal & State Programs | Government-backed initiatives to accelerate workforce development | DOE Battery Workforce Initiative; State-level NEVI workforce training requirements |
EV Training Programs
The following list are some officially-recognized EV training programs for technicians. This list will be expanded over time.
Tesla START programs
Technician training programs for Tesla vehicles, taught by Tesla employes.
Rio Hondo Community College - Los Angeles, California
Central Piedmont Community College - Charlotte, North Carolina
Shoreline Community College - Seattle, Washington
Evergreen Valley College - San Jose, California
Suffolk Community College - Selden, New York
Miami Dade College - Miami, Florida
Texas State Technical College - Waco, Texas
Texas State Technical College - Ft. Bend, Texas
Lincoln Tech - Denver, Colorado
National STEM Consortium (NSC) EV programs
Sanctioned training programs for electric vehicle technicians.
Anne Arundel Community College, MD
Clover Park Technical College, WA
South Seattle College, WA
College of Lake County, IL
Cuyahoga Community College, OH
Florida State College, FL
Ivy Tech Community College, IN
Macomb Community College, MI
Northwest Arkansas Community College, AR
Roane State Community College, TN
Misc/other EV programs
EV Champion Training (DOE/NREL)
CETV Training Program (Clean Tech Institute)
IEEE Transportation Electrification
SAE - Electrification
