Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Tech's Transportation Services program has significantly advanced its commitment to workforce readiness by launching a specialized electric vehicle (EV) maintenance training course. The inaugural hands-on workshop, held on June 17, was led by a master trainer from Automotive Video Innovations, marking a pivotal step in addressing the evolving demands of the modern automotive industry.

The surging global demand for EVs necessitates a fundamental shift in automotive technician skills. Recognizing this imperative, CMU Tech has strategically integrated a Nissan Leaf into its training fleet, complementing a generously donated Chevy Volt from community member Karen Combs. These vehicles provide students with invaluable practical experience on contemporary EV platforms, ensuring proficiency with both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) systems and the distinct complexities of electric powertrains.

While EVs typically require less routine mechanical maintenance, they introduce technicians to high-voltage battery structures, intricate electrical systems, and advanced diagnostic protocols. The CMU Tech curriculum emphasizes precise problem-solving for these sophisticated components. Michael Carsten, Technical Instructor of Transportation Services, highlighted the program's dedication: "As an Automotive Service Excellence teaching center, our instructors are required to serve our students with the highest quality education so that when they complete their technical certificates, AAS degrees or industrial certificates, the student will enter the workforce with the confidence needed to diagnose and repair today’s vehicles."

The training session attracted a diverse cohort, including CMU Tech instructors Michael Carsten and Paul Hoerr, current and former students, and professionals from Mesa County and Century Equipment. Notably, alumnus Isaiah Solomon, founder of Jr. Mobile Mechanics, participated, underscoring the program's enduring impact on its graduates. Karen Combs, whose timely donation of her Chevy Volt bolstered the program's resources, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I was thrilled to find a good home for my treasured car and, as it turns out, the timing could not have been better for the start of CMU's training on electric vehicles."

This new curriculum positions CMU Tech as a leader in workforce-driven education, proactively preparing a skilled labor force capable of navigating the rapid technological advancements within the automotive sector. The initiative is critical for ensuring the long-term viability and serviceability of the expanding EV fleet, thereby supporting the broader transition to sustainable transportation.