Zero Emission Transportation Workforce Readiness Study

This technical report is a collaborative study between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with assistance from the Joint Office on Energy and Transportation. It serves as a comprehensive guide to help Virginia transit agencies navigate the workforce challenges of transitioning to low- and no-emission vehicles and state officials to make informed decision on workforce capacity investments to meet the challenges of skilled trade shortages of today and in the future to ensure the Commonwealth’s energy and mobility security. This report consists of three (3) primary components:

1. Inventory of Current Educational Capacity: The study identified 115 Virginia institutions with programs relevant to clean vehicle technology. While only 29 of these currently offer EV-specific training, a significant 84% of existing programs—primarily in traditional academic settings—possess the “potential” to evolve and include EV curricula. The inventory reveals a geographic concentration of training in Northern Virginia and Virginia Beach, highlighting a need for strategic expansion in the Richmond and Western Virginia regions.
2. Employee and Training Demand Analysis: Projections through 2035 reveal critical training gaps, particularly for automotive technicians and electricians. For instance, the demand for automotive and bus mechanics is expected to significantly outpace the supply of newly credentialed workers. Conversely, roles such as facilities managers and training specialists may see an oversupply, suggesting that transit agencies should prioritize upskilling these existing employees rather than focused recruitment.
3. Investment and Collaboration Opportunities: To bridge these gaps, the study emphasizes solutions like Public-Private partnerships (P3’s), transit agency collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and local community colleges to co-create standardized curricula and share high-cost diagnostic tools and safety equipment. Policy considerations include streamlining facility acquisition for community colleges and allowing experienced industry technicians to teach without traditional degrees to mitigate instructor shortages.

View the Report

Project Methodologies

• Educational Capacity
• Employee Demand
• Investment Guide and Recommendations

Resources

Transit Workforce Center (TWC)

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)

Joint Office of Energy and Transportation