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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 was offered Spring and Summer 2025.
  • AUT171 EV Battery Frameworks was offered Fall 2025 for it’s inaugural section.
  • The BILT Advisory Board continued to meet on a semester basis. This committee provides industry insight into current trends and repairs for Hybrid/Electric vehicles. They also offer vital feedback on the key indicators for curriculum development and lab design. The indicators used are KSAs- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which are applied to all aspects of course design.
  • Partnering with Admissions and the BILT Advisory Board, PI E. Almedia utilized the 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.
    • Hosted 6 high school visits with a total of 105 students attending
    • Hosted 6 Monthly Information Sessions/Tours with a total of 48 students attending
    • Hosted 2 Academic Preview Days with a total of 50 students attending. Of the Preview Days focused on female students being highlighted with a current student panel, guest speakers from women in industry, an information session, and building tour.
  • Connected with several local industry partners to increase opportunities for MWCC students to work on electric vehicle repair and maintenance during cooperative experiences.
  • Worked closely with the BSTM school, curriculum committee, and records office to guide the EV certificate curriculum and degree/certificate program through the college approval process.
  • Advisor Training for all MWCC academic advisors was completed on the Automotive Technology program, new EV courses, and the EV certificate pathway. Along with a program map reference guide for academic support. 
  • Secured a 2021 Ford Mustang MACH-E electric vehicle for lab-lead learning. The program also has a 2024 Ford Mustang combustion engine. Therefore, the pairing allows for a direct compare/contrast of electric versus gas engine.
  • PI E. Almedia and Co-PI J. Pignataro presented at ATE Connects Conference on EV Curriculum Development and Workforce Diversification. Additionally, they presented at HI-TEC Conference on Lessons Learned, Major Successes, Lab Activities, and Mindful Notes on EV Curriculum Development.
  • All Automotive faculty completed a 3-day Hands on Training with Advanced Vehicle Technology Group. The training included EV Essentials, Electricity and Electronics, High Voltage Systems, ASE Certification, EV First Responder, Train-the-Trainer.
  • PI E. Almedia oversaw the supervision of 16 students working in industry for their Automotive Cooperative. These students were able to shadow a master technician on any EV/Hybrid service repairs.

  • MWCC faculty continued to utilize OER resources for student accessibility.
  • AUT161 Intro to EV and Hybrid was offered Spring and Summer 2026. It is also scheduled for Spring 2027.
  • AUT171 EV Battery Frameworks is scheduled for Fall 2026.
  • AUT 281 EV Components & Electric Drive Motors is scheduled for Spring 2027
  • The BILT Advisory Board continues to meet on a semester basis. This committee provides industry insight into current trends and repairs for Hybrid/Electric vehicles. They also offer vital feedback on the key indicators for curriculum development and lab design. The indicators used are KSAs- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which are applied to all aspects of course design.
  • Partnering with Admissions and the BILT Advisory Board, PI E. Almedia continues to expand the 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.
    • Individual interviews were conducted with enrolled female students to learn more about their experiences, utilize their voices and mentorship to encourage the next generation of female technicians. This was created into a flyer that was utilized during high school recruitment outreach.
    • Hosted 8 high school visits with a total of 173 students attending
    • Hosted 6 Monthly Information Sessions/Tours with a total of 46 students attending
  • Working closely with the BSTEM school, curriculum committee, and records office to guide the EV certificate curriculum and degree/certificate program through the State approval process and into the official course catalog.
    • The Electric/Hybrid Certificate was approved for students to declare during the Spring 2026 semester.
  • Continue outreach to local industry partners to increase opportunities for MWCC students to work on electric vehicle repair and maintenance during cooperative experiences.
  • KIA USA donated a 2026 KIA EV9 Electric SUV for hands-on lab learning.
  • Advisor Training for all MWCC academic advisors is completed on an annual basis for seamless student support. All updates regarding to the Automotive Technology program, new EV courses, and the EV certificate pathway were shared and appropriate guides shared.
  • PI E. Almedia and Co-PI J. Pignataro presented at ATE Connects Conference on Innovative Recruitment Strategies through Fostering Meaningful Connections. Additionally, they enhanced and expanded on that presentation at HI-TEC Conference.
  • PI E. Almedia oversaw the supervision of 16 students working in industry for their Automotive Cooperative. These students were able to shadow a master technician on any EV/Hybrid service repairs.

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