June 12, 2024 · Program Impact

Trenholm State Uses Innovate Alabama Grant to Supercharge Alabama’s EV Workforce

Located in Montgomery, Trenholm State Community College is an Innovate Alabama Network designee spearheading a transformative program to equip the state’s future and existing workforce with the right skills and credentials for the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Funding from the Innovate Alabama Network is empowering students and incumbent workers alike to thrive in the evolving landscape of EV technology. The $150,000 grant covers the cost of three new electric vehicles and provides funding for tuition, faculty trainers, books, and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams and certification for Trenholm students as well as for the general public.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the acquisition of three all-electric vehicles: a 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, a 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and a 2024 Hyundai IONIQ for onsite training at Trenholm’s Patterson campus. Trenholm State has also used the grant to invest in state-of-the-art EV training equipment including desktop trainers and safety tools, ensuring students have hands-on experience with EVs and their components. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional automotive education and the growing demand for EV expertise.

What also sets this program apart is its public accessibility. Starting this summer, Trenholm State will offer electric vehicle classes funded by the grant, free of charge to both current students and members of the public. For both students and incumbent workers, the training leads directly to ASE certification, and yes, Trenholm foots the bill for the exam and all training through the Innovate Alabama grant. The college is already extending invitations to River Region dealerships and repair shops to encourage their mechanics to enroll in the training.

ASE certification in electric vehicles not only enhances students’ and workers’ employability but also confirms their ability to repair and maintain EVs safely. With electric vehicles posing unique challenges due to high voltage systems, proper training is paramount to ensuring the safety of both technicians and vehicle owners.

In addition to training River Region automotive students and local repair technicians, Trenholm State is extending its reach to first responders, recognizing the importance of equipping them with the knowledge to handle EV-related emergencies safely.

“We are grateful for this Innovate Alabama grant. We were the only community college in the state to get funding in this first round,” said Trenholm State President Dr. Kemba Chambers. “It’s important because every day we hear about different companies coming to the River Region, so we want to ensure that we are providing those EV workers and training opportunities needed to make the industry successful. Now we can say to these companies, ‘We’re able to train for you. We have those workers already here that can provide those work skills.”’

The Trenholm State initiative aligns with broader statewide efforts to support EV infrastructure development. As Alabama invests millions in EV charging stations, Trenholm State recognizes the importance of preparing its students to meet the growing demand for skilled EV technicians. That demand is expected to grow as the state’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure expands.

“The biggest message to Innovate Alabama is ‘thank you.’ We could not have done this without them,” said Danny Perry, Dean of Career and Technical Education at Trenholm State. “This Innovate Alabama grant not only ensures our students can take this curriculum and earn ASE certification free of charge, but also helps us offer it to the existing workforce outside these walls through our Workforce Development division. Mechanics will be able to come in the evening after work, take the classes and get the certification with a non-credit class. So again, thank you to the State of Alabama and to Innovate Alabama.”