EVITP and MUST Workforce Solutions Announce New “Electric Fast Track” Work-Based Learning Initiative Powered by Siemens Foundation.
Detroit, MI, February 21, 2024 – The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) and MUST Workforce Solutions have announced a partnership between the two organizations aimed at supporting an inclusive workforce for the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) industry. This collaboration seeks to provide EVITP Training & Certification for existing qualified electricians and to engage traditionally underserved and marginalized communities through career exploration with connectivity to long-term, good paying careers in the electrical field through a unique “Electric Fast Track” paid career exploration program initially launching in Michigan and North Carolina.
As the shift toward electrified mobility grows powered in part by the support of programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and the Discretionary Grant Program for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure – this collaboration seeks to create work-ready individuals bridged to career pathways including existing pre-apprenticeships, DOL Registered Apprenticeships and careers and in the electrical industry.
As part of the Siemens Foundation’s new EVeryone Charging Forward™ initiative, EVITP and MUST Workforce Solutions are meeting this moment by providing EVITP Training & Certification for existing qualified electricians, engaging career explorers with EV related curriculum and through Skillfusion, and providing paid “Electric Fast Track” career exploration in the electrical industry with local partners affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) contractors.
“Rapid expansion of the electrical industry is creating strong demand for more qualified electricians and electrician upskilling through technology specific training & certification, as well as, an opportunity for engagement with career explorers to create the electrical workforce of the future,” said Jennifer Mefford, EVITP National Co-chair. “Through the partnership between EVITP, MUST Workforce and Siemens Foundation we have the opportunity to ensure that the pipeline for the electrical industry to support EV infrastructure and the electrical industry is strong, we are engaging those communities that have historically been left behind and connecting them to good jobs with living wages, healthcare and representation.”
The collaboration between EVITP and MUST Workforce will provide upskilling for existing qualified electricians, offer a variety of entry points for career exploration for the EV and electrical industry and provide connectivity to industry-recognized pathways to family-sustaining careers in the sector.
“We are excited to launch the Electric Fast Track in Michigan and North Carolina which will allow real-time, paid, career exploration for participants interested in EV and the electrical industry,” says Cheryl Sanford, Director, MUST Workforce. “This model provides important connectivity and supportive services designed to provide an individual a strong start in the industry, connection to existing established programs and job placement opportunities which is highly effective in traditionally underserved and marginalized communities.”
The electrical industry and the EV industry offer a variety of career pathways. The Electric Fast Track program seeks to connect traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities by providing a blend of online learning and paid work-based learning for participants and important connectivity to employers, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. Additionally, the recently launched Skillfusion EDT program will be utilized for career exploration through their dynamic online platform ensuring accessibility for all.
“We are pleased to be providing our platform to delivering some of the very first cohorts of the SkillFusion EDT training and certification as part of this dynamic program to support workforce expansion and serve the industry,” said Elaina Farnsworth, Co-founder and CEO, SkillFusion. “We are glad to support EVITP and the Siemens Foundation and their commitment to advancing workforce development, health equity, and clean economy jobs.”
“The mission of EVeryone Charging Forward, to advance an inclusive workforce in the EV charging sector, is one that aligns well with the Electric Fast Track program,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of Siemens Foundation. “We’re thrilled to support our best-in-class workforce development partners in EVITP and MUST Workforce through this initiative to ensure these career pathways are accessible for all.”
EVITP and MUST Workforce are pleased to have the support of the Siemens Foundation. The Siemens Foundation advances workforce development, health equity, and clean economy jobs in the United States. The Foundation is committed to economic, social, and racial justice for all. Most recently, with partners such as EVITP and MUST Workforce, the Siemens Foundation launched EVeryone Charging Forward™ to create pathways for individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to well-paying, sustainable technical jobs in the EV charging sector.
If you have questions or want to speak to an EVITP or MUST Workforce expert, please email info@EVITP.org or info@MUSTCareers.org.
The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) is recognized as the premier training and certification for qualified electricians installing EVSE Charging equipment throughout the U.S. and Canada.
MUST Workforce provides custom workforce development programs in collaboration with employers, labor unions, state workforce agencies, foundations, non-profits and communities designed to connect underserved and underrepresented communities to career pathways in the unionized construction industry.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Mefford
248-318-7885
JMEVITP@gmail.com