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Participants in ������Ƶ’s second electric vehicle (EV) training program spent the week gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, from working on a 2026 Tesla to diagnosing hybrid vehicles and learning the skills needed for the rapidly growing EV industry.  

The hands-on training, offered through a Workforce Development Grant, brought together automotive instructors, renewable energy faculty, students and industry professionals eager to expand their knowledge of EVs and the growing clean-energy sector.

“They are here because they are excited to learn as much as they can,” said Matt Heckerman, associate professor of automotive technology and one of the trainers.

Throughout the training, participants worked on hybrid vehicles and two EVs purchased through the grant, which also enabled the college to install instructional charging stations.

The second training focused on advanced EV diagnostics, battery safety and high-voltage systems and included training on a 2026 Tesla and exploring its advanced touchscreen technology.

“The technology on this is so impressive,” Heckerman said. “So much with this vehicle is done through the touch screen in terms of diagnostics. It’s easier to understand what is going on when you can see it on the screen versus having to read a lot of information.”

For Loren Maki, associate professor of automotive technology and a trainer, participants’ enthusiasm stood out.

“The fact that they signed up during the summer, took time off from work and everybody is here because they want to be here speaks volumes,” he said.

To bring training to campus, Maki and Heckerman spent countless hours preparing and participating in specialized EV training programs themselves to ensure participants receive the most up-to-date instruction and industry knowledge.  

“The goal is to teach industry and prepare people for jobs in the industry,” Heckerman said.

Noted in the training is the increasing crossover between electric vehicles and renewable energy, attracting participants from both disciplines who recognize the growing demands for skills that span the two industries.

“It is important to the renewable industry as well, to have technicians get experience and this is great hands-on experience that applies to both industries,” said Jeremy Scibetta, a participant and adjunct professor in ������Ƶ’s renewable energy program.  

Morgan Nowak, an instructor in the college’s renewable energy program, attended the training alongside some of his students.

“I am taking this because of the crossover with renewable energy and sending my students to take these classes so that they can use these skills in their industry,” he said.

For ������Ƶ student Will Shamblen, who is pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering technology and renewable energy and already owns an EV, the training was a natural fit.  

“I felt the most valuable investment is an EV car,” Shamblen said.

Participant and automotive student Coco Swick said the hands-on nature of the training made the experience especially meaningful.

“I am here to learn more about EVs and didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to get more exposure to it,” she said. “There is lots of hands-on learning, which I really benefit from and lots of new experiences.”

Steve Mann, an instructional support associate in the college’s automotive programs, saw the course as an opportunity to continue expanding his knowledge.

“I want to add on to my education,” he said.

Participants also worked on the college’s fleet of hybrid vehicles, exposing them to a wide range of technologies and manufacturers.

“They are getting exposed to more than 20 years’ worth of variations with six different manufacturers,” Maki said. “This is really showing that the younger generation is embracing change.”  

For Maki, the training experience is also a learning opportunity.

“I’m not just teaching the class,” he said. “The best way to learn is to teach it.”

The training is another example of ������Ƶ’s commitment to preparing students and professionals for careers in emerging industries. Earlier this year, the college hosted a one-day, workforce training, Electric Vehicles Part 1: Introduction & Safety, at its Automotive Technology Facility.

The non-credit EV training course and future offerings will eventually lead to credit-bearing microcredentials currently being developed through the grant.

The initiative is part of SUNY’s broader efforts to build a skilled green workforce and support New York state’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, helping ensure the next generation of technicians and energy professionals is prepared.