Siemens Foundation, the non-profit arm of German technology giant Siemens’ U.S. operations, revealed on Wednesday its commitment to a significant workforce development initiative in the United States. This $30-million investment, spanning over ten years, is set to address the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) charging sector’s growing demand for skilled technicians.
David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The number of jobs needed there is tremendous and it’s immediate.”
The project will commence with expedited training programs in Michigan and North Carolina, with a core objective of cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. These trained professionals will be equipped to construct, install, and maintain the infrastructure essential to accommodate the surging demand for EVs, spanning from residential charging stations to expansive commercial fleets.
To realize this vision, the Siemens Foundation has formed partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), based in Michigan.
EVITP has already made significant strides in the field, having trained and certified “thousands” of technicians across the United States and Canada in the installation and servicing of EV supply equipment, particularly charging stations. A persistent concern among EV owners has been the suboptimal state of many public charging stations.
Notable stakeholders in the EVITP initiative encompass prominent automakers such as General Motors (NYSE: GM) and BMW (ETR: BMWG), equipment manufacturers, utility companies, and labor unions.
The Siemens Foundation’s partnerships also extend to influential entities like the National League of Cities and the National Governors Association.
David Etzwiler emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative, stressing that the project will prioritize training individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities. This approach will provide a clear pathway to well-paying, sustainable careers within the EV charging sector.
Automakers are rallying behind the Siemens Foundation’s efforts, recognizing the critical importance of establishing a robust charging network across the country. Etzwiler stated, “Making sure that we have a reliable (charging) network is part of ramping up EV manufacturing in this country,” underscoring the pivotal role of trained technicians in servicing this growing market.
Siemens’ $30-million investment underscores the urgency of addressing the workforce needs in the EV charging sector and seeks to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for the electric vehicle industry in the United States.
