Los Angeles TradeTechnical College has offered courses in hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle repair since 2005 — long before such vehicles were mainstream.
The college will now use ATRE-CEC funds to enhance its 12-credit Hybrid & Plug-in Electric Vehicle Technology certificate.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, LATTC is uniquely situated to train new and returning students who are looking to obtain jobs in the hybrid and alternative vehicle repair industry.
Emissions regulations, pollution, and a car culture have made Los Angeles a leader in adopting these vehicles since the 1990s.
“As various fuel cell applications gain market share, the industry is expected to undergo significant growth and employment opportunities will open up in businesses that develop, manufacture, operate, maintain and repair the fuel cell systems,” the college wrote in its funding proposal. “LATTC will be primed to provide this training to prepare the workforce to this expansion of fuel cell technology.”
Funds will be used to enhance the current certificate curriculum, purchase two Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles, and provide training for faculty members.
The vehicles will create two lab stations, which can each serve 12-15 students at a time.
LATTC credits the purchase of a Toyota Prius with making its current program so successful, and expects the Mirais will take it to the next level.
“Although we have covered fuel cell technology vehicles in theory, the lack of a vehicle, or at least an engine, limited our ability to provide students with enough opportunity to master competencies related to fuel cell technology,” the proposal states.
Furthermore, LATTC serves what is a traditionally disadvantaged population in South Los Angeles.
About 45 percent of the area’s residents fall below the federal poverty line, more than twice the rate for Los Angeles County as a whole.
The enhanced Hybrid & Plug-in Electric Vehicle Technology certificate will make its graduates more marketable to employers and help them boost their earnings out of the poverty level. LATTC notes the resilience its students have in working through their pathways and is excited to offer them an even greater reward for their efforts upon completing the program.
