The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) recently hosted a webinar focused on workforce development for the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector. The webinar included discussion on how to build a diverse and highly skilled workforce within the electrified transportation industry to support the operation and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure.
Richard Ezike from the Joint Office and host of the webinar outlined four key strategies to augment the skills of the EVSE workforce:
- Registered apprenticeship programs for the electrical workforce
- Pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship readiness programs to build electrical pipeline
- Education programs that provide wrap-around or supportive services for workers facing barriers to career-track training and employment to access electrical training
- Education programs that introduce students to transportation electrification careers through employment that includes simulated or hands-on training
Featured prominently in the webinar was an overview of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP). The EVITP program was designed to provide qualified electricians with the most comprehensive training available in the market today. Developed in collaboration with industry, EVITP offers the perspective of Automakers, Utilities, EVSE equipment manufacturers, and other key stakeholder associations. The goal of the program is to ensure that electricians installing EVSE understand the many aspects of the market and are able to adequately address customer questions, concerns and satisfaction.
Bernie Kotlier, Co-Chair of EVITP, discussed the rigorous instruction and training standards of the program. Appropriate entry requirements, expert instruction, and a demanding exam ensure strong comprehension, performance, and consistent training results. To be eligible for EVITP, a participant must be a state licensed or certified electrician. Upon completing the course instruction, and passing the exam (combined 20 Hours), electricians may be confirmed as EVITP certified.
To learn more about the training programs on offer, or to find contractor in your area that utilizes EVITP certified installers, visit EVITP's website.
A recording of the full recording of the webinar "Workforce Development for the EV Charging Sector" will soon be available on the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation website.
