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For five enterprising APS students, spring break was less about beaches and more about real-world experience in electric vehicle education.
APS partnered with Women Who Charge, a Denver-based non-profit, to put on an exciting weeklong experience for students to meet with industry leaders and learn about electric vehicle charging station design and the changes electric vehicles are bringing to the metro area’s infrastructure.
As part of the EV Academy, students met with technicians and linemen from Xcel Energy to understand the energy grid from power plant to home distribution as well as trainers from the African American Trade Association to learn about energy, batteries, and EV safety.
“It’s interesting to see what goes into electric vehicles and charging stations,” one student said. “I never knew so many kinds of jobs existed that will only continue to grow as more EV’s are on the road. Not just cars, but motorcycles, larger buses and repair trucks.”
The second day saw the team travel to RTD Light Rail Operations and Maintenance to get behind the scenes and learn what it takes to keep the massive transportation system running. Emich Volkswagen welcomed the students to tour their sales and maintenance, where they learned about careers in sales and service, maintaining vehicles and what it takes to be a mechanic and collision body technician.
“It’s crazy how many people came into working on electric vehicles and the light rail from such different backgrounds, and how they say that everyday, there is always something new to learn,” a student said. “I’m overwhelmed by the career possibilities.”
Students also ventured to the CU Anschutz campus, the Aurora City Building, and a local charging station to discuss how those stations are built and maintained, the sustainability implications of electric vehicles, and how our local cities and community organizations are making public access to charging easier, resulting in a larger EV footprint.
The week wrapped up with students spending time exploring EV station design while preparing for the Automotive Service Excellence exam to earn their High Voltage Certification.
APS is grateful to LaSheita Sayer, Executive Director of Women Who Charge, for helping us make this experience happen for our students and to Jennifer Jasinowski, APS CTE Coordinator, for her support in planning. Other industry partners that support and invest in the EV Academy include General Motors, Rivian, Lime, and RTD to provide real-world insights and mentorship.