White House Recognizes EV Training as Part of Talent Pipeline for EV Jobs

With an increased focus on US manufacturing of electric vehicles, the White House announced a plan to invest in clean energy jobs of the future with its Talent Pipeline Challenge. This challenge will support employers and educational institutions with creating programs that will supply workers with access to training and career development pathways to jobs related to the clean energy economy.

This announcement marks a historic shift in the US educational institutions view on jobs in the skilled trades. For years, the educational institution in America was known for pushing students away from jobs in skilled trades and towards jobs that require a 4-year degree. With a looming student debt crisis and a shortage of workers for skilled trade jobs, that dynamic has shifted in the last few years. Educational institutions are beginning to connect students with internship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship opportunities right out of high school. This allows students who have interest in the trades to move directly into the workforce, earn competitive wages, and fulfill high demand roles in companies across the nation.

The shortage of skilled trade has created a ripple effect of issues around the world. An issue which has not eluded the automotive industry. A recent survey from Fisher Phillips showed that 87% employers in the automotive industry were struggling to find and retain workers. With the transition to EV looming over automotive manufacturers and service/repair providers, the outlook for finding qualified workers likely seems even more bleak. Combining the shortage of skilled tradesmen and women in the workforce with the increased emphasis from the federal government on bringing manufacturing of vehicles back to the US, the need for workforce pipelines to prepare workers for the increased job demand in these industries is crucial.

The Biden Administration has selected five Workforce Hub cities, each centered on key industries, where the federal government will work with state and local elected officials and community leaders to drive workforce development and education. The five Workforce Hubs selected are: 

• Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding region are critical for semiconductor manufacturing, optical cable, and mineral and battery manufacturing. Too, they are going to prioritize the Four Corners and Navajo Nation for renewable energy programs to support Tribal regions.
• Columbus, OH has emerged as an important semiconductor investment city. The Ohio Semiconductor Collaboration Network in partnership with Intel will be developing a two-year semiconductor technician pathway.
• Pittsburgh, PA is a hub for innovation, particularly in robotics, biomanufacturing, and clean energy, batteries included. This region has been selected particularly to support coal country’s transition and contribution to energy innovation.
• Baltimore, MD is well positioned for new transportation development and renewable energy efforts. The Maryland Department of Labor won an award in partnership with multiple employers and unions to build a new apprenticeship program in these sectors.
• Augusta, GA is on the forefront of the Administration’s sustainable domestic production agenda. Considerable investments are being made here to build workforce pipelines to clean energy jobs and battery manufacturing.

The good news for EV builders is that these plans show signs for considering jobs within the EV aftermarket. Legacy EV President, Mavrick Knoles, was invited to attend the White House’s celebration event for the Talent Pipeline Challenge for their role in creating EV worker training programs that provide on the job training for EV builders and EV repair workers. If you live in or near one of these hubs or cities and you want to help build EV workforce training in your home town, please reach out to us at education@legacyev.com. 

Full White House Press Release, 5/16/23

For more information, go to legacyev.com or call (602) 518-3233