The advancement of EV technology necessitates a strong focus on safety protocols to adapt to new training requirements and mitigate risks. As the EV ecosystem expands, safety standards and innovative Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) practices must evolve alongside the industry-specific technologies.
The primary risk involved in EV manufacturing includes:
- Electrical Shock – exposure from high-voltage cables in the battery pack and powertrain
- Chemical exposure from handling lithium ion batteries
- Repetitive stress injuries form working on a manufacturing line
- Fire Risk
- Thermal Hazards
Safety in EV Apprenticeships: A Dual Focus
Safety encompasses multiple dimensions within the context of EV apprenticeships. On one hand, safety education is integral to every aspect of training curriculum, from developing exceptional classroom materials to ensuring that all hands-on learning environments prioritize safety. This holistic approach equips students with essential skills to manage risks that arise in their respective roles.
On the other hand, there exists a distinct career pathway dedicated to EHS professions. Environmental Health and Safety experts play a critical role in innovating safe workstations and systems within some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities. They are essential for establishing safety standards that cater specifically to the unique challenges presented by high-voltage systems and battery technology.
Fire departments, for example, are currently enhancing their training efforts to respond to incidents involving lithium batteries, which require specialized knowledge to effectively manage fire hazards. Technicians transitioning from internal combustion engine work to electric vehicle servicing must undergo comprehensive training to safely handle high-voltage systems. Additionally, installers and maintenance personnel responsible for the expanding battery-based electrical grid must learn new safety techniques to create safe and sustainable work environments.
Importance of Innovative Safety Instruction
Incorporating industry-specific safety training as part of the apprenticeship curriculum is crucial. From learning the proper fit of personal protective equipment to understanding how to log safety incidents, even granular education can make a tangible difference.
Whether presented in modular formats or comprehensive courses, safety education serves as a foundation for successful careers in the EV sector while fostering a culture of safety awareness amongst all students.
Job Outlook
Beyond integrating safety into all EV apprenticeships, the employment outlook for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is promising, with a projected growth rate of 14 percent from 2023 to 2033—substantially outpacing the average for all occupations. Approximately 18,200 job openings for these roles are anticipated annually.
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians play a vital role in assessing work environments, analyzing risks, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By offering students a robust foundation in safety programming, educational institutions can give them a solid head start in a dynamic, growth-oriented occupation.
Job Highlight: What Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians Do
- Collect data, analyze trends, and design improvements to enhance workplace safety.
- Conduct inspections and enforce compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician
- Specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field.
- Technicians may enter this apprenticeship occupation with only a high school diploma, with programs available that can be time or competency based.
Apprenticeship Codes:
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: 19-5011.00
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians: 19-5012.00
Pay Structure
As of May 2023, the median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $81,140, while technicians earned a median annual wage of $57,920.
Additional Resources
To enhance their expertise, employers often prefer or require certification for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians. Resources for credentialing include:
- Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC)
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
- National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP)
For information on workplace safety, compliance, and health training programs, consider these resources:
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and The Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce (SSRW) Program
- The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program
- SAE International’s Fundamentals of High Voltage xEV, Safety, and PPE (find the course curriculum under the tab “Course Outline”)
Understanding safety protocols is vital for a successful career in the growing EV sector. By prioritizing safety training, educational institutions can ensure that future technicians and specialists are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles.
Equipping First Responders
EV fires involving the high-voltage battery can present unique challenges to firefighters, often requiring different techniques. First responders should refer to the manufacturer guides and training resources noted above when responding to an electric vehicle incident or fire and should also be aware of the potential for delayed ignition of a damaged vehicle or reignition of a battery fire, even after it is believed to be extinguished. Further training resources for first and second responders is here. View the Electric Vehicle Fire Primer for Fleet Managers for more information.
Promising Practices
Expanded Collaboration and Ecosystem Engagement
Jackson College’s EV initiative was intentionally developed through a collaborative, cross-sector model that brought together healthcare providers, emergency response agencies, educators, and workforce partners. Regional employers, including healthcare systems and public safety organizations, were actively engaged in identifying skill gaps related to EV incidents, co-informing curriculum design, and participating in simulation-based training and assessment. This ensured that EV-related competencies reflect real-world expectations and are immediately applicable in clinical and field settings. Faculty across disciplines collaborated to integrate these competencies into existing programs, creating a unified approach that bridges traditional academic silos.
In addition to local partnerships, Jackson College extended its impact through collaboration with the EPIC Consortium, sharing curriculum, simulation scenarios, and implementation strategies to support adoption across multiple institutions and employer partners. This multi-institutional approach strengthens regional workforce alignment while contributing to national EV Hub goals. By combining employer engagement, faculty leadership, and consortium-based dissemination, Jackson College has developed a scalable framework that supports consistent training, assessment, and apprenticeship alignment across diverse learning environments.
View the Jackson College Medical Simulation.
Apprenticeship Alignment and Pipeline
Jackson College currently supports Registered Apprenticeships within its healthcare pathways, including:
- Medical Assistant (MA) Apprenticeship – 2 active apprentices
- Henry Ford Health-Jackson
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Apprenticeship – projected 3–4 apprentices beginning January 2027
- Lenawee Medical Care Facility
EV-related modules and simulation experiences are being embedded into these existing apprenticeship pathways, positioning them as EV-informed healthcare apprenticeships. This model reflects the emerging need for healthcare professionals and first responders to safely manage EV-related incidents.
Outcomes and Forward Plan
While EV-specific apprentice enrollment was not immediate due to the timing of curriculum and simulation development (completed June 2025; simulation launched February 2026), Jackson College has established the infrastructure necessary to scale EV-related apprenticeship participation beginning in 2026–2027.
The College anticipates:
- Expansion of EV-integrated apprenticeships across MA, LPN, EMS, and Respiratory Therapy programs
- Increased employer engagement to support apprenticeship adoption
- Regional and multi-institutional scaling through the EPIC Consortium
- Contribution of curriculum, simulation models, and implementation frameworks to the AACC EV Hub repository
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
- Embed Before Scaling
Integrating EV competencies into existing high-demand programs accelerates adoption and ensures workforce relevance. - Simulation as a Bridge to Apprenticeship
Scenario-based simulation provides a safe and effective method to prepare apprentices for complex EV-related emergencies. - Leverage Existing Apprenticeship Infrastructure
Expanding established healthcare apprenticeships allows for faster alignment with emerging industries without requiring new program creation. - Scale Through Consortia Models
Partnering with organizations such as the EPIC Consortium enables rapid dissemination and adoption of curriculum across multiple institutions and employers. - Engage Employers Early
Continuous collaboration with healthcare and public safety partners ensures training reflects real-world application. - Adopt a Phased Implementation Model
Building curriculum and infrastructure prior to enrollment supports long-term sustainability and quality outcomes. - Integrate Employer-Led Simulation Assessment
Engaging employers, faculty, and learners in simulation-based assessment creates a shared understanding of workforce expectations and strengthens alignment between training and real-world performance. A structured simulation blueprint supports consistent implementation across multiple programs and user groups.
Jackson College’s approach demonstrates a scalable model for integrating EV-related competencies into healthcare and emergency response apprenticeship pathways. Through curriculum development, simulation-based training, and regional dissemination via the EPIC Consortium, the College is positioned to expand EV-informed apprenticeships and contribute meaningful, transferable practices to the national EV Hub.
This model includes a structured simulation blueprint that supports consistent implementation across learners, faculty, and industry partners, strengthening the connection between education, assessment, and workforce performance.