Industry Partnerships Lead to Jobs for CCSF Students

At the Forefront of Alternative Vehicle Technology for the Last Decade

The San Francisco Bay Area has been at the forefront of alternative vehicle technology for the last decade, with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) preparing students to work for some of the world’s top automotive companies.

In fact, Tesla recently hired seven CCSF students trained in electric vehicle technology and plans to continue to hire through CCSF. City CarShare, a San Francisco-based enterprise that maintains a fleet of more than 400 vehicles including hybrids and EVs, also hires CCSF students trained in AFV technologies.
Nick Rothman, Automotive Program Instructor, notes that CCSF’s involvement in training alternative vehicle technicians is well-known in the local community.

“CCSF Automotive students recently attended a press conference with Mayor Ed Lee to announce the San Francisco EV readiness initiative,” he said. “Mayor Lee congratulated CCSF Automotive students for helping to build the San Francisco Green workforce.”

While CCSF continues to be a go-to trainer for the automotive industry’s alternative vehicle technicians, new funding from the California Energy Commission will enable the Automotive program to continue to adapt as emerging technology is introduced into this sector.

“San Francisco City College is proud to announce the expansion and improvement of the Automotive Hybrid and EV training program at the CCSF Automotive campus,” said Rothman.

CCSF will use the funding awarded to purchase new hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, diagnostic tools and other equipment.

Students will be able to work on newer models including a Ford Focus, Toyota Prius Generation 3 and Fiat 500e.

“The Automotive Hybrid and EV training program has been a successful part of the CCSF Automotive department for several years,” Rothman said. “The new vehicles and equipment will strengthen an already popular training program.”

Program instructors also plan to showcase the cars and equipment to high school students enrolled in automotive classes. Providing these future technicians with hands on experience will be especially beneficial as they work toward becoming part of the city’s green workforce.

“CCSF Hybrid/EV program graduates will be uniquely qualified to repair Electric vehicles as well as the charging infrastructure that will be installed in new San Francisco buildings as mandated by the San Francisco EV readiness initiative,” Rothman said.