San Joaquin Valley transit agencies are working to electrify their fleets as California continues to provide incentives and regulations that move ground transportation toward increased use of ZEV. As this transition advances, demand for automotive service technicians to work on these vehicles and support ZEV infrastructure will continue to increase.
High school teachers taking completed SwitchLab vehicle for a test drive.
Through the Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible, and Local (IDEAL) ZEV Workforce Pilot Project administered by the California Energy Commission and co‑funded by CARB, Fresno City College has offered three high schools in Fresno County the opportunity to introduce their automotive students to ZEV technology. Training was provided in December 2023 for high school teachers at each of the three schools, and they were provided with tools and equipment to offer the new ZEV curriculum starting in spring 2024. The partnership will also open up opportunities for dual enrollment at these high schools in the near future, establishing a pipeline into the Fresno City College course offerings, as well as the college’s certificate in ZEV technology.
“It is imperative that we look toward future trends and industry and look for ways to be innovative in order to meet the demands of our future workforce,” said Dean Becky Barabé, who oversees the Fresno City College Automotive Technology program. Without incorporating ZEV training into the existing training programs available at community colleges and high schools, there will not be enough ZEV technicians to meet the increasing demand within the transportation industry.
In addition to partnering with local high schools, Fresno City College is working with local businesses and municipalities. In partnership with Valley Clean Air Now, the college is working to introduce ZEV training to those local business and municipality employees working with or expected to work with electric fleet vehicles.
Materials for assembly of Switchlab vehicle.
High school teachers assembling materials for SwitchLab vehicle.
The marketing and recruiting campaign for these ZEV workforce training programs is well underway, as Fresno City College has prepared and posted flyers about their Advanced Technology Vehicle and dual enrollment programs. Faculty and staff have also presented information about these program options at the 2023 Career Skills Challenge tabling event in Fresno, the 2023 World Ag Expo, and local car shows throughout the San Joaquin Valley. With the completion of the high school teachers’ training, Fresno City College is focusing on final Memoranda of Understanding with the three high schools for their dual enrollment program.