Registered apprenticeship programs have evolved significantly over the past decade. While primarily associated with the construction trades, registered apprenticeship programs have now expanded into high-growth industries such as electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, battery technology, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy. As demand for skilled workers in the EV sector continues to rise, there is significant opportunity to engage untapped talent pools in registered apprenticeship programs that provide direct career pathways into this evolving field.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reported that about 90% of all apprentices were male, reflecting a long-standing trend in apprenticeship participation. However, with community colleges enrolling a broad range of students, including those transitioning careers, veterans, and workers looking to upskill, there is significant opportunity to expand the reach of EV-related apprenticeships to a wider audience.
Expanding Access to EV Apprenticeship Programs
Community colleges are well-positioned to develop EV-focused apprenticeship programs that align with labor market demands. Several groups of students could benefit from apprenticeship opportunities in EV-related industries, including:
- Career Changers and Skilled Trade Workers – Individuals with experience in traditional automotive technology, electrical work, or mechanical fields can transition into EV maintenance, battery production, and charging station installation.
- Veterans – Many veterans have experience in technical and mechanical fields, making them strong candidates for EV manufacturing and infrastructure apprenticeships.
- Individuals with Disabilities – Work-based learning models, such as apprenticeships, provide structured, hands-on training that can support individuals in gaining skills for EV assembly, software diagnostics, and electrical systems maintenance.
- Experienced Workers (50+) – Those looking to shift careers or upskill can enter EV-related fields with targeted apprenticeship programs that capitalize on their existing expertise.
- Justice-Involved Individuals – Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for individuals reentering the workforce to gain specialized training in EV production, charging station installation, and fleet maintenance.
AACC encourages executives of colleges to further explore these untapped populations that already attend community colleges and are well suited for registered apprenticeship programs. Because community colleges can develop new programs quickly dependent on demand, they are well suited to create and implement apprenticeship programs in new occupations, giving opportunity to a broader population of students.
Other Resources
- Jessica Toglia. 2020. Diversifying Apprenticeship: Acknowledging Unconscious Bias to Improve Employee Accessopens PDF file Center for Apprenticeship & Word-based Learning.