Los Angeles Currently Comprises One Quarter of All EV Sales
California continues to lead the nation in the deployment of alternative fueled vehicles (AFV), particularly in hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) models. The state’s stringent restrictions on fuel emissions and the related incentives for consumers to purchase AFV models has been particularly successful in the greater Los Angeles and Orange County region. In fact, Los Angeles currently comprises one quarter of all EV sales in the United States.
For the past 20 years, Cerritos College has been committed to providing comprehensive AFV technician training. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for Cerritos to produce AFV certified technicians at rates that meet the growing need in the greater Los Angeles region.
With funding from the California Energy Commission, Cerritos will be able to do just that by enhancing its existing AFV curriculum and piloting a new CNG course.
Funding to Expand its Existing AFV Course
Cerritos will use the funding to expand its existing AFV course to 120 hours of instruction, which provides for the inclusion of a lab component. The purchase of equipment, including a Chevrolet Spark, will enable students to receive training comparable to a workplace setting. The experiential learning students will gain by this training will prepare them to work as AFV technicians, where they will earn higher wages than general technicians.
The Automotive Department also intends to design and pilot a CNG course specifically for fleet employees. The for-credit pilot will be developed as a 100 level course offered in a 9-week format in evening sessions.
Faculty would also like to integrate Hydrogen basics into the existing courses.
A portion of the funding will be used to provide staff development in expanded course content and new laboratory equipment.
