In a significant move aimed at addressing the growing demand in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the Siemens Foundation has announced a substantial $30-million, 10-year investment in workforce development in the United States. The initiative focuses on the rapidly expanding EV charging sector, which is expected to require tens of thousands of skilled workers in the coming decade.
David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, which serves as the non-profit arm of the renowned German technology conglomerate Siemens in the U.S., emphasized the urgency of the workforce requirement, stating, “The number of jobs needed there is tremendous and it’s immediate.”
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Commencing with expedited training programs in Michigan and North Carolina, the initiative’s primary objective is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce proficient in building, installing, and servicing the critical infrastructure necessary to meet future EV demand. This infrastructure encompasses everything from residential charging stations to large-scale commercial EV fleets.
Collaborating closely with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) based in Michigan, the Siemens Foundation aims to address the pressing need for skilled technicians in the EV charging sector. EVITP has already trained and certified a substantial number of technicians in the United States and Canada, equipping them to install and maintain EV supply equipment, particularly charging stations. This initiative comes in response to concerns from EV owners regarding the general state of disrepair at many public charging stations.
Notably, stakeholders in the EVITP initiative include major automakers such as General Motors and BMW, equipment manufacturers, utility companies, and labor unions. The Siemens Foundation’s partners also extend to organizations like the National League of Cities and the National Governors Association.
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One key emphasis of this initiative is to provide training opportunities for individuals in underserved and underrepresented communities, offering them a pathway to secure, well-paying careers within the burgeoning EV charging sector.
In a show of support for the Siemens Foundation’s efforts, automakers have expressed their commitment to ensuring the establishment of a robust nationwide network of EV chargers. David Etzwiler underscored the importance of having a reliable charging network, stating that it is an integral part of scaling up EV manufacturing within the United States. He further emphasized the critical role of training technicians who will serve this rapidly growing market.