To support the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure, educational institutions should develop clear curriculum maps and program pathways that align with industry needs. Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, stands out as a leader in supporting the rapid expansion of the EV ecosystem. By partnering with companies such as Rivian and State Farm, Heartland has established innovative collaborations across the state to standardize training criteria, build unique partnerships, and create pioneering programs. Two of their newest apprenticeship programs include:
Laborer for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician: O*NET-SOC CODE: 47-2061.00
EVSE Technician: O*NET-SOC Code: 49-3023.00
“Too long for the old days when a job had a straight forward meaning, where the tasks to be hired were known and clear. We might not know all of the requirements but we know getting into, say, a nursing program, we know where to start. We know a nurse works with people to make them well. We know there are many areas a nurse works at; a hospital, an advanced clinic, a prompt care, or even at a retirement home. We know what a nurse does and generally know they need to have a large toolbox of skills to be success at all levels. But we don’t realize all of the skills needed to move into more advanced careers in nursing.
EV charging and energy storage is no different. The EVSE and Energy Storage careers are just as deep and wide. A certificate in EV charging and Energy Storage is an entry certificate to get into industry. It says, I understand the foundations, can define terms and be able to apply my skills to assist in installation, wire up, and read schematics. I can even perform troubleshooting techniques to an EVSE or Energy Storage But I will need additional training to do higher technical maintenance applications. Skills in wiring, sizing, NEC requirements will be needed to do major installations. Or if I get into a company servicing these systems there is networking, net security, advanced troubleshooting and using advanced tools and analyzers will be needed to be able to understand the entire system from backend to front end.”
— Chris Miller, Industrial Technology Faculty at Heartland Community College, speaking on EVSE
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Upskill with Electric Vehicle Technology at Heartland
Learn more about Heartland Community College’s expansion of the EV ecosystem
Heartland Community College Programming to Support the Expansion of the EV Ecosystem
Energy Systems Technology
The 22-credit Energy Systems Technology Skills Certificate program at Heartland Community College prepares students for an entry-level position such as a technician, integrator, installer, or energy auditor in a wide range of renewable energy fields. The certificate includes a wide variety of technologies to choose from such as building automation, wind energy, photovoltaic energy, energy storage and EV chargers. Focus is on basic skills in electrical systems, mechanical integration, installation and integration. With these skills, program completers can install, troubleshoot, and repair various renewable energy systems. All of the courses can be applied toward the Industrial Technology Certificate or the Industrial Technology AAS degree.
More information, including certificate requirements, is available here.
Associate in Applied Science – Industrial Technology
The Industrial Technology Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students for a variety of entry- to mid-level technician and/or operator positions in various industrial settings such as manufacturing, metalworking, construction, renewable energy, and fabrication. Students learn skills in technical graphics, safety, AutoCAD, and computer literacy, as well as skills in one or more industrial areas such as: construction, electronics, renewable energy, facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, design and fabrication, and/or welding. Students may choose to specialize in one or more industrial areas by using technical elective hours to complete skills certificates as they work toward your degree.
More information about the program, including course requirements, is available here.