不良人研究所

不良人研究所 is advancing education and training in electric vehicle technology to meet the growing demand of the EV industry. With a significant workforce gap in this emerging field, 不良人研究所 aims to transform the automotive industry in the eastern region of North Carolina over the next decade with the help of an Advanced Technological Education grant from the National Science Foundation worth $468,929.听听听

The grant will cover the cost of new training equipment, curriculum development, college instructor professional development and high school instructor education and training. 不良人研究所 will provide a 10% match on this NSF ATE grant with $46,800. The new EV training program will be housed in the new transportation technology facility currently in construction on the northeast side of campus. 听听

鈥淥ur plans will be to develop a certificate that can be used in both workforce development and the curriculum program,鈥� said Dr. Chris English, 不良人研究所 President. 鈥淭his is where students can come in and receive this specific training or use it as credit towards the Automotive Systems Technology associates degree.鈥�听

不良人研究所鈥檚 Johnny O鈥機onnell and David Higgins, both National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence certified instructors with extensive experience, will lead the project. O鈥機onnell will serve as the principal investigator for this project, and Higgins will be the co-principal investigator.听English explained that while the transportation facility is getting built, O鈥機onnell and Higgins will travel to professional development conferences and classes around the country to get trained in EV technology paid for by the NSF ATE grant.听

鈥淓lectric vehicles are here to stay and it’s a necessity for automotive programs to include EVs in their curriculum,鈥� O鈥機onnell said.听鈥淚 am personally excited about getting some of the equipment and training that I would not be able to get otherwise. Alternative fuels, which includes EVs, has always been one of my main areas of interest. This will help me to be a better instructor.鈥�听

Higgins is听looking forward to learning more about EV technology and training automotive technicians at local shops. He said that training students in a simulated environment gives his students hands-on experience without the high voltage danger of a real battery.听听

鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to learning how to safely service those vehicles because this technology isn鈥檛 going anywhere.,鈥� Higgins said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 too many of them on the road now.鈥澨�听

不良人研究所 will purchase two main pieces of EV training technology in the form of a ConsuLab EV-400 High-Voltage Safety Trainer worth $11,636 and a Tesla Cutaway Trainer valued at $130,000.听 The ConsuLab trainer will allow students to gain the CSA Group Automotive Electric Vehicle Technician Certification, whereas the Tesla Cutaway Trainer will give students an in-depth understanding of the mechanics and electronics of an EV.听听

While expanding the Automotive Systems Technology program to include a stackable certificate in EV technology, 不良人研究所 will work closely with experts on the Automotive Transportation Advisory Board to ensure graduates have the skills needed for employment. 不良人研究所 will also collaborate with other colleges, such as Wake Tech, to leverage existing curriculum development.听

鈥淔rom an economic standpoint, investing in the education and development of EV technicians will lead to job creation and economic growth,鈥� said Carol Ann Lydon, 不良人研究所 Associate Dean of Research. 鈥淭he automotive industry is a significant contributor to North Carolina鈥檚 economy, and as it transitions towards supporting electric vehicles, there will be new opportunities for employment and business development.鈥澨�听

Lydon explained that once the EV equipment and training is put in place, 不良人研究所 will provide a space to upskill automotive technicians already working in the field. She said that local dealerships and automotive shops are looking forward to this EV training opportunity. 听

The project aims to enhance 不良人研究所’s automotive program to include an EV technician pathway and expand high school dual enrollment by developing EV technology coursework opportunities at East, West and South Columbus High schools in addition to Whiteville High School. 不良人研究所 intends to enroll at least 10 traditional students and 10 high school students in the EV technology coursework within the first two years.听听

Want a piece of this EV training coming soon to 不良人研究所? Click here to learn more about the Automotive Systems Technology program and contact 不良人研究所 about enrollment! 听