Summary
- PBSC in Florida received a $4.1 million federal investment to enhance its automotive training program focused on electric vehicles
- A new 12,000-square-foot facility will be built to train skilled EV mechanics, with eight mechanics’ bays and additional classrooms
- First-year electric auto mechanics can earn between $25 to $30 an hour, positioning PBSC graduates for success in a growing industry
- Special emphasis was placed on inclusivity within the automotive industry, with a female student recognized for her pioneering role
- The new facility will double the college’s capacity, allowing more students to pursue high-demand roles in the industry
Article
Palm Beach State College in Florida has received a $4.1 million federal investment to enhance its automotive training program with a focus on electric vehicles. U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel played a key role in securing this funding, and she visited the college’s Lake Worth Beach campus to announce the initiative. The college plans to build a new 12,000-square-foot facility to replace the current dental school building and meet the growing demand for skilled electric vehicle mechanics. This new facility will feature eight mechanics’ bays and additional classrooms, providing students with the training they need to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry.
Associate Dean Eligio Marquez highlighted the potential earning opportunities for first-year electric auto mechanics, with wages ranging from $25 to $30 per hour, significantly higher than traditional mechanics. This financial incentive, combined with the advanced training offered by PBSC, positions graduates for success in an industry that is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. In addition to the economic benefits, the announcement also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the automotive industry, with student Karena Cabus standing out as the lone female automotive student present.
Frankel praised Cabus for her trailblazing spirit in a field that is traditionally male-dominated, noting the need for more women to pursue careers in automotive technology. The new facility at PBSC will help address this issue by doubling the college’s capacity, allowing more students to pursue high-demand roles in the automotive industry. With only 25 spots available per semester and demand far exceeding supply, the expanded facility will provide additional opportunities for students to gain valuable skills and contribute to the growing field of electric vehicle maintenance and repair.
The investment in PBSC’s automotive training program highlights the college’s commitment to preparing students for careers in emerging industries while also addressing critical environmental challenges. By focusing on electric vehicles, the college is not only providing students with valuable skills and career opportunities but also contributing to efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The new facility will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for skilled electric vehicle mechanics and preparing graduates for success in a rapidly evolving industry.
Frankel’s support of the initiative underscores the importance of federal investments in education and workforce development programs that address the needs of both students and industries. By securing funding for PBSC’s automotive training program, Frankel has helped create opportunities for students to gain the skills and training needed to succeed in high-demand fields like electric vehicle maintenance and repair. The new facility will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment for students, helping to ensure that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the automotive industry in the years to come.
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