The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, and electric vehicles (EVs) are leading the charge. As EVs become increasingly popular, the demand for skilled technicians who know how to learn how to repair electric cars is skyrocketing. Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, is stepping up to meet this demand, thanks to a significant federal investment.
Nearly $1 million in federal funds has been secured to launch and expand electric vehicle training programs at Wake Tech. This exciting news was announced by 2nd District Congresswoman Deborah Ross at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence on Wake Tech’s Scott Northern Wake Campus. This funding marks a pivotal moment for Wake Tech and for individuals looking to gain expertise in this rapidly growing field.
“Wake Tech is vital in shaping our workforce, not just in Wake County, but across North Carolina,” Congresswoman Ross stated. “This federal funding is crucial to prepare the next generation of technicians who will drive our state and nation towards our clean energy ambitions. I championed this funding because I recognize Wake Tech’s leadership in workforce development and their commitment to a more sustainable future.”
This financial boost will enable Wake Tech to acquire cutting-edge electric vehicle service and diagnostic equipment. It will also support faculty development, ensuring instructors are experts in EV technology and repair. The EV curriculum will be integrated into four existing degree programs: Automotive Systems Technology, Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, and Electrical Systems Technology. This comprehensive approach ensures a wide range of students can gain valuable EV repair skills.
What makes Wake Tech’s program particularly unique is its breadth. The training covers the entire EV ecosystem, from “grid to plug” and “plug to wheel”. Electrical Systems Technology students will learn how to install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations, while transportation program students will focus on the safe diagnosis and repair of electric cars and trucks. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-rounded and highly employable in various EV-related roles.
Currently, over 30 automotive students are enrolled in the introductory EV course this semester. This foundational course emphasizes workplace safety, handling hazardous materials, and environmental regulations specific to electric, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles. Wake Tech is collaborating with EV manufacturer Rivian on this course, which will pave the way for a specialized EV track within the Automotive Systems program starting next fall. Notably, Wake Tech is among the pioneering community colleges in North Carolina to offer electric vehicle repair training as part of a degree program, positioning it as a leader in how to learn how to repair electric cars education.
Beyond degree programs, Wake Tech is also developing short-term, non-degree EV training options. These programs are designed for professionals already working in the automotive industry, such as technicians at dealerships and municipalities, as well as public safety personnel who need to understand EV safety protocols. Wake Tech anticipates serving approximately 400 students annually through its various EV training initiatives.
This dedication to EV education positions Wake Tech as a rising national leader in preparing the workforce for the electric vehicle revolution. The college is strategically located in a region experiencing rapid EV adoption and within a state committed to clean energy job creation. North Carolina aims to have at least 80,000 zero-emission vehicles registered by 2025, highlighting the urgent need for qualified EV technicians. Even broader automotive technician roles are projected to grow by 3 percent in Wake County alone by 2026, according to labor market analysts at Lightcast.
The new EV training equipment will create a state-of-the-art learning environment in the automotive labs at the Hendrick Center. Furthermore, it will facilitate the development of a dedicated EV training lab at the future Eastern Wake Campus in Wendell, expanding access to these crucial skills.
Wake Tech’s EV initiatives have garnered significant community support from state and local officials, workforce development organizations, industry partners like Siemens Industry, and numerous automotive dealerships and independent garages. This widespread support underscores the importance of EV training for the region’s economic future.
“Thanks to our advanced facilities and program innovations, Wake Tech is ready to play a vital role in unlocking the employment potential of electric vehicles for our region,” stated Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “These new training opportunities will not only benefit our students but will also position Wake County and North Carolina as leaders in meeting the workforce demands and educational requirements of this transformative technology.”
Wake Tech is also proactively engaging young people in EV careers through its new Exploring Post focused on EVs and STEM fields. This program introduces students aged 14 to 20 to hands-on EV technology and career paths, further solidifying Wake Tech’s commitment to fostering the next generation of EV professionals and providing clear pathways for how to learn how to repair electric cars.
Through initiatives like the Green Trek program, Wake Tech also promotes sustainable transportation and EV adoption within its own community. By incentivizing the use of electric and low-emission vehicles, Wake Tech practices what it teaches, creating a campus environment that reflects its commitment to a greener future.
If you’re wondering how to learn how to repair electric cars and want to be at the forefront of the automotive industry’s electric revolution, Wake Tech offers the training and resources you need to succeed. Explore Wake Tech’s Automotive Systems Technology program and other related programs to discover how you can power up your career in the exciting world of electric vehicle repair.
