South Carolina's Heyward Center to Launch Statewide EV Technician Training Pilot Program with $100,000 Grant
Key Insights
Richland One's Heyward Career and Technology Center in South Carolina has secured a $100,000 grant to establish a pioneering electric vehicle technician training program.
The initiative, slated to commence in spring 2026, aims to address the rapidly growing demand for skilled professionals in the burgeoning electric vehicle service sector.
This pilot program will provide specialized curriculum and hands-on experience, preparing students for high-demand roles in EV diagnostics, maintenance, and repair.
The investment underscores a strategic effort to bolster the state's workforce capabilities, supporting the transition towards a sustainable automotive industry.
COLUMBIA, SC – The Heyward Career and Technology Center, part of Richland School District One, has been selected to spearhead a critical statewide pilot program for electric vehicle (EV) technician training, bolstered by a significant $100,000 grant. This strategic investment, announced recently, positions the Heyward Center at the forefront of preparing South Carolina's workforce for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. The program is slated to begin enrolling students in the spring of 2026, directly addressing a burgeoning skills gap within the automotive service industry.
The proliferation of EVs, driven by consumer adoption and federal incentives, has created an urgent need for specialized technicians capable of servicing these advanced vehicles. Traditional automotive curricula often lack the specific knowledge required for high-voltage battery systems, electric powertrains, regenerative braking, and complex software diagnostics inherent to EVs. The Heyward Center's new program aims to bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive curriculum designed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring graduates possess the competencies demanded by dealerships, independent repair shops, and fleet operators.
The $100,000 grant will facilitate the acquisition of specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, and training vehicles essential for a hands-on learning environment. This funding is crucial for developing a robust program that can simulate real-world repair scenarios, including battery pack removal and installation, electric motor diagnostics, and software updates. The curriculum is expected to cover safety protocols for high-voltage systems, thermal management, charging infrastructure integration, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) calibration specific to EVs.
Industry analysts project a substantial increase in EV sales over the next decade, with a corresponding surge in demand for qualified technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032, but the demand for EV-specific technicians is expected to grow much faster. This pilot program in South Carolina serves as a vital model for other states seeking to align their educational infrastructure with evolving market needs. By proactively developing this talent pipeline, South Carolina aims to attract further investment in EV manufacturing and related industries, solidifying its position within the clean energy economy. The success of this pilot will likely inform future statewide initiatives, potentially leading to broader integration of EV technician training across vocational schools and community colleges.