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National Science Foundation Grant

Male And Female Students Looking At Car Engine On Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Course At College

Summary Of Grant

The automotive technician career field is changing rapidly and we are currently in the middle of an industry transition from traditional combustion engine vehicles to those with hybrid and battery electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Multiple car manufacturers are shifting to hybrid and EV cars and a survey of Massachusetts car dealers and independent automotive repair facilities have all indicated that they only have a few automotive technicians trained in hybrid and EV technology. The Accelerating Massachusetts Automotive Future: Producing Electric Vehicle Technicians project will address an emerging industry demand for technicians skilled in EV technologies by developing a new Hybrid and EV curriculum for an Advanced Automotive Technician Hybrid and EV certificate and degree program that builds on an existing degree focused on combustion engines with the collaboration of a Business and Industry Leadership Team. Over the three years of the project, 40 Hybrid/EV students will be recruited into this advanced automotive degree and certificate program in the repair and maintenance of Electric Vehicles. The project will professionally develop faculty, equip the program with Hybrid and EV training equipment, develop a new state-of the-art industry-led curriculum, develop prior learning assessment framework and tools for incumbent workers, build internship opportunities and employer partner relationships to foster student engagement, and complete female outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies. The overarching goal of the project is to create an industry supported advanced automotive degree and certificate program in the repair and maintenance of Electric Vehicles that meet employer need for skilled, knowledgeable, and more diverse EV automotive technicians.

Review and updated existing program curriculum:

The project has modified and upgraded 7 existing automotive technician courses with EV content:

  • AUT 110 Introduction to Automotive Technology
  • AUT 120 Performance and Diagnosis I
  • AUT 121 Performance and Diagnosis 2
  • AUT 122 Brakes
  • AUT 123 Electrical Systems
  • AUT 124 Electrical
  • AUT 125 Engine Repair
  • AUT 127 Suspension and Steering
  • AUT 131 Automatic Transmissions
  • AUT 204 Heating and Air Conditioning.

In addition, the project has developed 3 new courses that focus specifically on EV systems:

  • AUT161 Intro to EV and Hybrid Systems
  • AUT171 EV Battery Frameworks
  • AUT181 EV Components & Electric Motors

Faculty Professional development opportunities

The project faculty have acquired the requisite skills to develop the certificate program. This includes EV/Hybrid training including hybrid transmissions, hybrid and EV driveline/powertrain systems, and general theory of operation.

  • Co-PI J. Pignataro participated in the Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) 5-day bootcamp training covering the history of EV through modern technology. This bootcamp culminated with the CO-PI successfully completing the ASE L3 training exam.
  • Co-PI J. Pignataro participated in the Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) 1-day driveline training focusing on electric motors. Through this training, curriculum was developed for the AUT 131Automotive Transmission course.
  • Co-PI J. Pignataro participated in KIA’s 2-day training on high voltage systems and operations. Through this training, curriculum was developed for the AUT161 Intro to EV and Hybrid Systems course.
  • PI E. Aleida and Co-PI J. Pignataro attended the annual 2024 Hi-TEC conference. Participation in the conference allowed for networking with other colleagues; access to curriculum materials and resources; and best practices and lessons learned from established degree and certificate programs.
  • In December of 2024 all MWCC AUT faculty will attend an Group intensive 3-day EV Training with Advanced Vehicle Technology. The training covers the areas of electricity, electronics, and high voltage systems. Upon completion, technicians will possess the skills and competencies required to successfully service, diagnose, and repair the high voltage equipment found on electrified vehicles.

Acquisition of new equipment and resources

Through purchases as well as with support of dealers and manufacturer partners, the project has acquired a range of new equipment and resources specific to EV work.  These resources have been integrated within the project’s existing automotive technology program and have direct benefit to students in the project’s EV program pathway and certificate program.

Equipment acquisition includes:

  • Automotive Career Development Center designed EVSE Break Out Box in case with a Pico 3 channel milliohm meter
  • (3) HV Ford Boards
  • (2) CAN BUS system and operation trainers
  • (3) Electric Vehicle/Hybrid High Voltage Batteries
  • (1) OEM HV/EV Tactile Kit
  • (5) Automotive Fault Finding
  • (1) Fluke Advanced Motor and Drive Kit

Cooperative work with industry Partners

  • The project works productively with its various industry advisory boards to review the development and relevancy of its courses as well as the overall EV technician program.  These advisory boards regularly provide the project with feedback about current and emerging needs and find that the MWCC program is responsive to the needs of local dealerships and repair facilities.

  • MWCC faculty are continuing to utilize OER resources for student accessibility.
  • AUT161 Intro to EV and Hybrid will be scheduled for spring of 2025.
  • AUT171 EV Battery Frameworks is in the final stage of completion and will be scheduled for the fall of 2025.
  • Pending enrollment, a section of AUT161 Into to EV and Hybrid could be scheduled for summer 2025.
  • The BILT Advisory Board will continue to meet. From the Year 1 evaluation report, an orientation about the grant will be conducted for existing and new members followed by developing a scope of short- and long-term work to be achieved. Ad-hoc committees will review the recruitment and marketing plans and suggest strategies to recruit female professionals to the committee and expand strategies to recruit and retain female students.
  • Partnering with Admissions and the BILT Advisory Board, PI E. Almedia will expand to a multi-year intersectional recruitment plan to engage students from diverse backgrounds to enroll in the EV certificate; with special attention to recruit female students and students from diverse backgrounds.
  • New EV training opportunities will be explored to ensure access to current industry best practices and resources
  • Working closely with the BSTEM school, curriculum committee, and records office to guide the EV certificate curriculum and degree/certificate program through the approval process and into the official course catalog
  • Continue outreach to local industry partners to increase opportunities for MWCC students to work on electric vehicle repair and maintenance during cooperative experiences.
  • PI E. Almeida and Co-PI J. Pignataro will work with the Center for Advanced Automotive Technologies Center for guidance to map the seven MWCC courses to the nationally recognized credential for prior learning assessment.
  • Using KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Assessment) from the BILT Committee, a prior assessment tool will be drafted and then shared with the committee for feedback.
  • In collaboration with area secondary school counselors, in the fall of 2025 AUT161 Intro to EV and Hybrid Systems course is planned for dual-enrolled students from local high schools.
  • In collaboration with Admissions, female students will be incorporated and highlighted in the academic preview day, with a current student panel, guest speakers from women in industry, an information session, and building tour.
  • Advisor Training for all MWCC academic advisors will be scheduled on the Automotive Technology program, new EV courses, and the EV certificate pathway.
  • Exploration of the National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science and possibilities for partnerships will occur.
  • To allow for intentional outreach and marketing to female students, an academic preview day specifically for celebrating women in STEM fields will be planned. This will include current female students, female faculty from STEM degree courses, and industry leaders.
  • Baseline data of student demographics of students enrolled in AUT classes every semester from 2022 to present had been collected and will be compared to Academic year 24-25 data to determine progress.
  • Secure an electric vehicle/hybrid donation from a local industry partner.

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