Workforce Development Resources
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is committed to equitable deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, transportation, and mobility access options that provide positive outcomes for Justice40 and underserved communities. Job opportunities are growing and are projected to continue to increase as the transportation industry transitions to EVs.
The demand and market for diverse EVs is rapidly maturing, and it is critical that there is a workforce ready to support this accelerating industry. The Joint Office and federal partners are committed to supporting this long-term outlook, meeting the increasing demand for a Made-in-America, electrified transportation system with high-quality, high-wage job opportunities.
The Joint Office Ride and Drive Electric funding opportunity provides $9.9 million in funding for seven projects under Topic 2b focused on workforce development. Project objectives range from delivering programs to train electricians with Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification, spreading awareness of EV-related jobs through community-based outreach, and providing EV upskilling, job training, and employment opportunities. Summaries of selected projects can be found on the Joint Office funding opportunities page.
In addition to providing direct funding support for workforce development, the Joint Office has collated example resources to support workforce development activities for an electrified transportation system.
AFDC Electric Vehicle Safety Training Resources for First and Second Responders
The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) has collated a list of known available training and educational resources for first and second responders specific to alternative fuel vehicles, with a particular focus on EV resources. Please note, recognition of certification or completion of the courses may vary depending on the provider and content.
AFDC Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles
The AFDC has provided an overview of maintenance and safety considerations for EVs, including specific information on battery safety as well as safety requirements currently in place.
US DOT Grant Application Checklist for a Strong Transportation Workforce and Labor Plan
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has created a resource on components of an ideal workforce and labor plan. The checklist is furnished to spark thoughts and ideas that applicants may want to share. Applicants are not required to address everything on the list in order to be competitive for a particular grant’s selection criterion. Please review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the specific program you are considering to ensure you are responsive to that particular application.
The U.S. Department of Labor and the DOT have created questions and answers focused on the actions that state transportation agencies may want to take to expand the workforce for installing and maintaining EV chargers. The information provided is applicable to many other areas of infrastructure. This resource covers topics including registered apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs, and local and economic hiring preferences.
Inflation Reduction Act Apprenticeship Resources
This webpage from Apprenticeship.gov provides resources on apprenticeship for background information, including clarity on applications for prevailing wage and apprenticeship provisions, opportunity to explore high-demand apprenticeship sectors across construction and in clean energy industries, and frequently asked questions and answers.
This webpage from IRS.gov includes information regarding how the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 amended and enacted various clean energy tax incentives that provide increased credit or deduction amounts if certain prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship requirements are met.
The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Information
EVITP provides training and certification for electricians installing EV supply equipment. EVITP is a brand-neutral, volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that trains electricians in the EV infrastructure space in the United States and Canada. Training includes site assessment, load calculations, National Electric Code, jobsite safety, personal protection equipment, and other installation and maintenance best practices.
Joint Office Webinar Recording: Workforce Development for the EV Charging Sector
In June 2023, the Joint Office hosted a webinar focused on workforce development for the EV charging sector. The webinar included discussion on how to build a diverse and skilled workforce within the electrified transportation industry to support the operation and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure. The webinar highlighted organizations and individuals that are currently providing training to the workforce of the future in the EV charging space.
In May 2023, the Joint Office hosted a webinar on minority-owned business outreach and partnerships for EV infrastructure. Minority-owned businesses are leading the charge in the EV infrastructure industry by manufacturing, installing, operating, and maintaining EV chargers and providing innovative charging services to support a growing EV market.