Key Takeaways:
- South Seattle College is offering training programs in booming fields such as Automotive Technology, with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs)
- The college has acquired a unique training vehicle for EVs, created by Consulab, to provide hands-on experience for students
- The training program is independent and not tied to a specific manufacturer, making it a valuable resource for students and the industry
- The college is seeking grant funding and support from donors to continue to develop and expand its programs
- A new Battery Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Training certificate program is set to launch next fall, with plans to incorporate it into the two-year Associate of Applied Science program
Introduction to South Seattle College’s Automotive Technology Program
The employment landscape is constantly evolving, with some industries experiencing a decline in demand for workers, while others are struggling to find qualified candidates. One field that is currently booming is Automotive Technology, particularly in the area of electric vehicles (EVs). South Seattle College (SSC) is at the forefront of this trend, offering training programs that are designed to meet the needs of the industry. The college’s Automotive Technology program is celebrating the recent arrival of a uniquely configured training vehicle for EVs, which was showcased at an event on the campus’s Steve and Sharon Huling Automotive Technology Center.
The New Training Vehicle: A Game-Changer for EV Training
The training vehicle, created by Consulab from a car purchased from Tesla, is a valuable addition to the program. It offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with EVs, with a high-voltage emulator for safe diagnostics and troubleshooting. The vehicle exposes every component of the EV, including motors, batteries, charging systems, and power electronics, making it an invaluable resource for students. The college notes that this is the only independent EV training program in the area, not tied to a specific manufacturer, which makes it a valuable resource for students and the industry.
The Skill Sets Needed for Automotive Technology
According to SSC’s Dean of Automotive, Aviation, Heavy Diesel, and Welding, Ferdinand Orbino, the skill sets needed for automotive technology are evolving. Technicians need to be "part electrician, part coder, part mechanic" to work on modern vehicles, including EVs. The new training vehicle is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. The college’s faculty, including Automotive Technology faculty member Teryn Kilgore, are excited about the opportunities that the new training vehicle provides for students.
Funding and Support for the Program
The Consulab trainer was obtained with the help of a $147,000 state grant, and the college is continuing to seek grant funding to support its programs. The Seattle Colleges are also grateful for the support of donors, such as the Huling family, who have made significant contributions to the program. Steve Huling, one of the namesakes of the Steve and Sharon Huling Automotive Technology Center, spoke at the event, highlighting the growth he has seen in the program and the importance of supporting education and training in the automotive industry.
Future Plans for the Program
As the program continues to grow and evolve, the college is planning to launch a new Battery Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Training certificate program next fall. The program will be designed to provide currently employed technicians with the opportunity to "upskill" and gain the knowledge and skills they need to work on EVs. The college is also exploring evening class times to accommodate working technicians. In the longer term, Battery Electric and Hybrid Vehicle training will become part of the two-year Associate of Applied Science program. With its commitment to providing high-quality training and education, South Seattle College is well-positioned to meet the needs of the automotive industry and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Industry Support and Partnerships
The event at the Steve and Sharon Huling Automotive Technology Center was attended by industry representatives, including Swedish Automotive owner Todd Ainsworth, who is a member of the program’s Technical Advisory Committee. Ainsworth verified the need for technicians to receive training on EVs, highlighting the importance of programs like the one offered at South Seattle College. The college’s partnerships with industry leaders and donors are crucial to the success of its programs, and the college is grateful for the support it receives from the community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Seattle College’s Automotive Technology program is at the forefront of the trend towards electric vehicles, offering training programs that are designed to meet the needs of the industry. The new training vehicle, created by Consulab, is a valuable addition to the program, providing students with hands-on experience working with EVs. With its commitment to providing high-quality training and education, and its partnerships with industry leaders and donors, South Seattle College is well-positioned to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the automotive industry.
