In a landmark event in April 2024, the State and Local Electric Vehicle Workforce Collaborative convened in Washington, D.C. This gathering, orchestrated by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National League of Cities (NLC), underscored the transformative potential of federal investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI), substantial economic opportunities are emerging, particularly in underserved communities.
Collaborative Efforts for Workforce Development
The collaborative aims to develop a skilled workforce to support the burgeoning EV infrastructure, fostering career pathways in marginalized areas. This initiative is a joint effort among government entities, industry experts, and educational leaders. Key figures, including Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for Michigan, and Stephanie Piko, Mayor of Centennial, Colorado, co-chaired the taskforce. Federal representatives, such as Gabe Klein from the U.S. Department of Energy and Transportation, also participated, highlighting the importance of leveraging NEVI funding for workforce development.
Key Discussions and Strategies
Over the course of two days, the event featured in-depth discussions on building a talent pipeline and creating inclusive workforce strategies. Abigail Campbell Singer from Siemens USA shared insights from the EVeryone Charging Forward initiative, emphasizing the need for inclusive EV workforce development. Other discussions highlighted the role of educational institutions and industry leaders in supporting a diverse EV workforce through technical certificate programs and pre-apprenticeship courses.
Moving Forward: Innovation and Collaboration
The meeting concluded with a call for continued innovation and collaboration. Policymakers, educators, and industry leaders were urged to work together to ensure equitable opportunities arising from EV advancements. Plans to develop resources and working groups were initiated to address data and action gaps identified during the event.
By fostering these discussions, the EV Workforce Collaborative is committed to ensuring that America’s shift to electric vehicles is paralleled by the creation of skilled, equitable employment opportunities, supporting a sustainable and inclusive economic transition for all communities.
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