Thousands of technicians needed to service the 145 million Electric Vehicles expected to hit the roads by 2030
George Brown College recently launched its Electric Vehicle Technician (EV) Certificate Program, offering automobile mechanics and technicians, as well as electricians and other tradespeople, the opportunity to upgrade their skills in a sector seeing extraordinary growth. The program is delivered online and is asynchronous, which means students can learn anywhere and at their own pace.
"Right now, the demand for Electric Vehicles is growing at unprecedented levels, but the infrastructure to support that growth with technicians that can service EVs or maintain charging stations isn't there yet,” said Colin Simpson, Dean, Centre for Continuous Learning. “The Electric Vehicle Technician Certificate Program will prove valuable in preparing the technicians needed to propel the EV industry forward.”
George Brown’s EV program is uniquely positioned to address the global need for skilled workers in diagnosing, servicing and repairing electric vehicles and EV commercial and residential charging stations. The program is asynchronous, allowing learners the ability to access the course on their own schedule, which is crucial for students who may require flexibility to work around their existing schedules.
According to the International Engergy Agency (IEA), there were 1.3 million EVs on the road in 2015, a number that catapulted to over 10 million by 2020. The IEA expects that, by 2030, there will be 145 million EVs sold. Numerous manufacturers have reported plans to go fully electric over the next 10 years. All this points to a growing need for infrastructure advancement in the EV industry; specifically, technicians needed to service EVs and charging stations.
An April 2022 Pollution Probe study, commissioned by the Canadian government, polled 1,600 EV drivers and found that one in five reported arriving at an out-of-service charging station. Over 40 percent of respondents shared concerns about being stranded as a result of non-working chargers.
George Brown’s EV program stands out because of its use of simulation software – 3DLAB and CircuitLogix – which allow learners the opportunity to safely perform lab experiments and further their understanding of electrical circuits which are fundamental to EV system functions. Because EVs operate with an extremely high voltage, George Brown’s simulation software is an optimal way to study, offering students the ability to learn in a real-world environment without the inherent risks involved in working on “live” equipment.
Although the program is delivered online and is self-directed, students may rely on the accessibility of staff to assist with anything from technical issues to content-related questions and inquiries. In addition to being accessible to learners with varying schedules, the course has a low cost of $1750 and flexible payment options suitable for any budget.
For more information on George Brown’s EV program or to register now, visit www.evtechnician.com.
About George Brown College
Toronto's George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples.
George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 164 full-time programs and 180 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 27,100 full-time students, including 29 percent international students, and receives more than 58,000 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
Further information
Krystal Carter
Zainab Karim