Automotive Partnerships with Major Players
The Cypress College Advanced Transportation Center’s partnerships within the automotive industry have evolved over the past 15 years to include major players, such as Toyota and now Tesla Motors. In fact, the Cypress College electric vehicle training program is placing students and entry level technicians at participating Toyota and Tesla repair centers in the Orange County area.
Ambitious Growth Plans Include Hiring as Many Entry-Level Technicians as Can Be Found
Tesla’s ambitious plans for growth over the coming years are expected to add thousands of new jobs in California. Tony Sciarra, Program Manager of Vocational and Trade Schools at Tesla, has stated that he will take as many entry level technicians as Cypress College is able to train yearly.
The opportunity to apply for funding from the California Energy Commission came at a perfect time for Cypress College to address this growing need. The campus also agreed to provide matching, in-kind funds, and Toyota and Tesla will supply industry experts to assist in program development and deployment – a partnership that will greatly benefit Cypress students.
Funds to Purchase Specialized Tool Packages and Instructional Vehicles
The new funding will be used to purchase specialized tool packages to fully service the electric and hybrid vehicle market, tool storage units, and one or two Tesla Model S instructional vehicles. The vehicle(s) will serve to duplicate the required servicing environment found at both Toyota and Tesla service centers.
Cypress College will also expand curriculum to create a new Advanced Automotive Electric Vehicle Specialist Certificate program and a new Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technician Certificate program for students, incumbent workers, business and industry.
Professional Development Opportunities will be Provided with Toyota, Tesla and Subaru Automotive Manufacturers.
Underscoring campus support for this funding opportunity, the current administration is in the process of acquiring an electric vehicle charging station to support the funding objectives. It is clear the Cypress College Advanced Transportation Center has support from all involved to provide a continuous pool of well-trained, highly-skilled technicians for the electric and hybrid/electric vehicle industry.
