Automotive technicians in Prince George are now going to be able to upgrade their skills to work on electric vehicles (EVs) through the EV Maintenance Training program offered at the College of New Caledonia (CNC).
As more EVs get on the road in B.C., demand for EV maintenance jobs will continue to increase, the province says.
"We're supporting the growing popularity of EVs by helping auto technicians develop the skills they need to work on EVs in service centres across B.C.," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, in a news release this morning (March 29), with pilot training set to begin in fall 2021.
"The expansion of the EV Maintenance Training program will help grow our EV sector and make it even easier for British Columbians to make the switch to an EV, putting us on the road to a cleaner, better future."
With $440,000 through the Province's CleanBC Go Electric program and in partnership with Trades Training BC, the program is earmarked for CNC's Prince George campus, Okanagan College's Kelowna campus and Camosun College's Interurban campus in Victoria.
"The automotive industry is rapidly changing as electric vehicles become more commonplace on roads," said Frank Rossi, CNC dean of trades and technologies.
"We're thankful for this investment prioritizing student knowledge towards the maintenance of electric vehicles, which will further their success in the new industry that awaits them. CNC is also thankful to local employers and industry partners it is partnering with to help deliver this vital training."
The British Columbia Institute of Technology's (BCIT) Burnaby campus initially launched the program in 2019 to provide Red Seal automotive technicians with the skills they need to work on EVs.
The province says this program expansion will prepare British Columbians for good-paying jobs of the future and post-pandemic economic recovery.
"This program will help more people in the north build the skills we need for the economy we need - a greener, cleaner economy for rural B.C.," said Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen.
"It's a great opportunity for our communities to pitch in and support B.C.'s goals for a cleaner future."
Red Seal automotive technicians wanting to upgrade their skills in EV maintenance should check each college's website for course details.
