Across the United States, several programs stand out for their innovative approach to building EV maintenance and repair talent pipelines alongside community colleges. These flexible models are easily registered as formal apprenticeships.
Rivian Technical Trades Program
The Rivian Technical Trades Program is a 6-month certificate program to grow into the Field Service team. They will teach students the fundamental skills to be successful in a fast-paced and technologically driven environment. Students will obtain hands-on training at a Rivian Service center and receive instructional guidance in a classroom setting.
Tesla START is a paid 12-week intensive front-loaded training program designed to prepare students for roles in service centers. Hosted at community colleges across the country including Miami Dade College, Rio Hondo College, and Central Piedmont to name a few, START blends classroom instruction with hands-on experience on Tesla vehicles The program exemplifies apprenticeship best practices – employer sponsorships and competency-based training model that leads directly to employment.
Programs to watch:
Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is launching one of the first formal EV automotive technician apprenticeships beginning in 2025. Their program partners with local dealerships for job placements and the on-the-job training components like removing and reinstalling high-voltage batteries, with the lab work being completed on updated labs on campus.
Hudson Valley Community College Showcase
This degree program prepares students to enter the workforce as an automotive technician with an emphasis on electric and autonomous vehicles.
Students in the program acquire a broad base of knowledge that spans both the basics of automotive repair and the specifics of diagnosing and repairing electric, autonomous and hybrid vehicles.
The program is primarily designed for those who wish to enter the workforce immediately following graduation, and will prepare students to enter the automotive repair field with an emphasis on emerging technologies found in electric and hybrid vehicles.
This program is offered by the college’s Applied Technologies Department.
Electric and Autonomous Vehicles (AOS)
Upon the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic and advanced electrical diagnosis and repair.
- Description of basic electric vehicle systems.
- Identify and explain the basic systems involved in modern Intelligent Vehicle and ADAS systems found in electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Programs to Attract Diverse Students: Discuss strategies to create inclusive training programs that attract a diverse student population, particularly underrepresented groups in the automotive field.
Find the curriculum and program requirements here.
Company Programs Training for EV Maintenance
Tesla START Programs – In collaboration with colleges across the United States
START Service Technician, Evergreen Valley College (Summer 2025)
| Job Category | Vehicle Service |
| Location | San Jose, California |
| Req. ID | 235803 |
| Job Type | Intern/Apprentice |
What to Expect
The START program is a comprehensive 16-week EV service training initiative tailored for individuals with prior automotive experience. Throughout this intensive program, candidates will cultivate technical proficiency and acquire certifications, utilizing a well-rounded methodology that includes in-class theory, hands-on labs, and self-paced learning modules. Participants will enhance their soft skills through collaborative team-based repair exercises.
What You’ll Do
- Dedicate a minimum of 40 hours per week to training, including active participation in service center shadowing for practical experience
- Engage in instructor-led training to develop a comprehensive understanding of Tesla vehicles
- Be a collaborative and engaged team member during both lab and lectures
- Prioritize safety by adhering to established protocols at all times
- Maintain organization by ensuring proper tooling management
- Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet weekly curriculum objectives and deadlines
- Cultivate and sustain a consistent and professional rapport with instructors
What You’ll Bring
- Successfully attend and pass each training session throughout the 16-week program with a minimum score of 80%
- Must be capable of reporting to START training location or local Service Center as needed
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail
- Basic computer skills, including navigating web browsers and using standard applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Accept employment at a Tesla Service Center within 30 days of graduation from the program; must be willing to relocate
- Valid driver’s license required
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits
As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:
- Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick time after 90 days of employment and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program
Expected Compensation
$25.00 – $25.00/hour + benefits