Welcome to AACC’s hub for developing electric vehicle apprenticeships across the expanding electrified transportation sector. Whether you’re an educator, employer, or community leader, this site is designed to help you launch, strengthen, or scale EV training programs that address real workforce needs.
The EV industry is evolving —and so is the demand for a skilled, adaptable, and safety-conscious workforce. From gigafactory technicians to skilled equipment maintenance workers, the jobs of tomorrow require new skillsets, new standards, and creative partnerships.
What you will find on this site
These resources explore five critical pillars of the EV workforce—each with their own unique apprenticeship opportunities, training models, and success stories.
- Battery Manufacturing
- Vehicle Assembly and Manufacturing
- EV Infrastructure
- Maintenance & Repair
- Safety & Environmental Health
Battery Manufacturing
- Why it matters: Over 30 gigafactories are planned or in operation across North America, creating thousands of jobs.
- Skills in demand: Automation, equipment maintenance, electric motor control, and battery safety.
- What works: Kansas City Community College’s registered apprenticeship in battery assembly, plus soft skills and mentorship integration.
- Insights: Local training means local retention. Upskilling local community members reduces turnover and builds loyalty.
Vehicle Assembly & Manufacturing
- Why it matters: EVs are revolutionizing how vehicles are built—from increased vertical integration to high amounts of automation there is a strong need for continuing education.
- Skills in demand: Lean manufacturing, robotics, tool & die, soft skills
- What works: Tesla and Austin Community College’s flexible, integrated model with wraparound support
- Insights: Employer-educator partnerships must start early, have strong leaders, and be flexible in approach.
EV Infrastructure
- Why it matters: Charging networks and grid integration are the backbone of EV adoption and allow the industry to scale.
- Skills in demand: Electrical work, NEC code, troubleshooting, grid interface, networking protocols & safety.
- What works: Heartland Community College’s pathway programs and national credentials like EVITP and SAE.
- Insights: Infrastructure apprenticeships require both foundational electrical skills and upskilling broad technical knowledge.
Maintenance & Repair
- Why it matters: The shift from combustion engines to EVs transforms technician roles and the need to upgrade education.
- Skills in demand: High-voltage systems, diagnostics, battery repair, vehicle technology and security.
- What works: Rivian Service Programs, Tesla START and Hudson Valley’s AOS in Electric & Autonomous Vehicles.
- Insights: EV technicians must bridge traditional repair knowledge with software and electronics expertise.
Safety & Environmental Health
- Why it matters: Working around high-voltage systems, lithium-ion batteries, and highly automated workplaces demands rigorous safety education.
- Skills in demand: PPE use, hazard mitigation, emergency response, and OSHA compliance.
- What works: Jackson College and SAE’s modular training on safety and crash response.
- Insights: Safety is relevant to every role and a robust education and awareness of safety protocols is relevant for all students.
Finding Commonality Across All Sectors
- Soft skills matter. Communication, time management, and workplace essentials like managing finances and nutrition can make or break retention – especially for early career workers.
- Local Partnerships are key. Employers, colleges, and regional governments must co-design programs that serve the local labor markets.
- Stackable credentials work and are highly desired. Modular programs that allow learners to “earn and learn” are more flexible and inclusive and have higher retention rates.
- Wraparound services create success. Transportation, mentorship, and flexible scheduling can dramatically improve program completion and satisfaction in programming.
- Safety is foundational.
Who is this site for?
- Colleges & training providers building curriculum or launching new apprenticeship tracks.
- Employers looking to upskill or hire new talent.
- Community groups and governments looking to boost understanding of the EV apprenticeship ecosystem.
How to navigate?
- Explore each sector’s page to see promising practices, curriculum samples, and credentials.
- Download templates, tools, and sample syllibi.
- Join upcoming events and conferences listed in each section.
- Reach out if you’re ready to partner on workforce development.