Washtenaw Community College unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) and battery lab during a special ceremony on Monday, October 13, to educate students in the next generation of automotive transportation.
The space is equipped with lifts and charging stations to train students for maintenance and repair on hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as electric battery workbenches to ensure students are ready for the emerging workforce.
The college has worked with industry to launch new EV programs and certificates to meet talent needs.
"For 60 years, Washtenaw Community College has been vital to Michigan's workforce development ecosystem," said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. "Over a decade ago, we took the bold step to prepare students for evolving mobility careers with our Advanced Transportation Center. Today's EV lab ribbon cutting isn't just about opening a new lab, it's about opening opportunity for our students, our region and our state."
Wesley Parks, a technician apprentice at the Genthe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Saline, is one of the first students to use the lab. He is pursuing an Electric Vehicle Service Technician certificate.
"I've been in the automotive field for two years now and only recently — through taking the electric vehicle program — have I found a love and interest in all things high voltage," Parks told the gathered attendees. "With the help from our stunning new lab, as well as our fantastic teachers, I hope to branch off from the traditional vehicle apprenticeship and make steps toward an EV-focused career.
"With the shortage of technicians, it is very important to give students the opportunity to find something that interests them and keeps their passion for the job high."
The lab was completed with a Congressional earmark secured by Michigan's delegation in 2023.
"I'm proud to have helped secure $2.5 million in federal funding to bring the Washtenaw Community College electric vehicle training lab to life," said U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. "Michigan has always been at the heart of American manufacturing, and if we want to remain a global leader in innovation and technology, we must lead the transition to electric vehicles.
"Programs like this are critical to keeping us competitive in the international marketplace. I'd like to thank President Dr. Rose Bellanca and Executive Vice President for Instruction Dr. Brandon Tucker for their leadership in advancing this initiative."
Dingell attended Monday's ribbon cutting and addressed the invited guests.
"As electric vehicles become more commonplace in our society, it's essential that Michigan has the skilled workers needed to build the batter components and electric infrastructure that keep them on our roadways," said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. "I was proud to secure $2.5 million to support Washtenaw Community College's EV lab, which will help address our workforce needs and bring good paying jobs to Michigan communities."
In 2014, WCC launched its Advanced Transportation Center, where automotive, information technology and advanced manufacturing converge to prepare students for next-generation mobility careers. At any given time, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in 60+ courses in automotive and cybersecurity technologies alone.
Training delivered through the Advanced Transportation Center focuses on:
- Electric vehicles, batteries and chargin infrastructure and transportation technologies
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Mechatronics and industrial electronics
- Cybersecurity and data analytics
- Artificial intelligence and business intelligence
Tags: Automotive Services, EV, Electric Vehicles, Transportation Technologies