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Workforce Development
Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers paid internships through Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate, a workforce development initiative that unites Clean Cities and Communities coalitions across the country with early-career professionals interested in changing the future of on-road transportation. This initiative, managed by Argonne National Laboratory, aims to advance the adoption of efficient transportation technologies and positively impact the nation’s energy security, economic prosperity, and air quality.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers paid internships through Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate, a workforce development initiative that unites Clean Cities and Communities coalitions across the country with early-career professionals interested in changing the future of on-road transportation. This initiative, managed by Argonne National Laboratory, aims to advance the adoption of efficient transportation technologies and positively impact the nation’s energy security, economic prosperity, and air quality.
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Electric Vehicle Technician Training
To support the growing need for a skilled electric vehicle workforce, Maine Clean Communities, partnered with the Clean Cities Coalition Network and the Advanced Vehicle Technology Group (AVTG) to deliver EV Safety and Technician Training for automotive technicians, fleet professionals, educators, and other transportation stakeholders across the Northeast.
The training series was designed to build foundational knowledge of electric vehicle technology and prepare participants to safely work with high-voltage vehicle systems. It began with an introductory webinar covering the current state of EV workforce development, technician shortages, and available training and certification pathways.
At the time, fewer than one percent of automotive technicians nationwide held the ASE L3 Advanced Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist certification, underscoring the need for expanded training opportunities.
The program also included two-day, hands-on training sessions in Burlington, Vermont and Portland, Maine. Participants received classroom instruction alongside practical exercises, including vehicle walk-arounds and demonstrations focused on high-voltage safety, electrical systems, and foundational EV service and diagnostic practices. The Portland training was hosted by Maine Clean Communities at GPCOG and brought together professionals from across the region seeking to develop the skills needed to support an expanding electric vehicle market.
SMCC EV Certification Program
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) offers Maine's first dedicated Electric Vehicle & Hybrid Repair workforce training program, helping prepare automotive technicians for the growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road. Designed for experienced technicians working in dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance, and other automotive businesses, the program combines 32 hours of online instruction with an intensive hands-on training week in SMCC's Automotive Technology Center in South Portland.
The curriculum focuses on high-voltage safety, battery systems, diagnostic and testing procedures, common EV component failures, and electric vehicle service and repair techniques. Upon completion, participants are prepared to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist (L3) Certification exam, providing employers with technicians qualified to safely diagnose and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.
By expanding access to specialized EV repair training, SMCC is helping build Maine's automotive workforce while supporting the state's transition to cleaner transportation by expanding access to qualified local service as EV adoption continues to grow.