SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Southern Maine Community College launches the state’s first electric vehicle program to train workers to diagnose and repair problems with electric and hybrid vehicles.
The course is aimed at technicians who already work in auto repair shops and car dealerships. The first class that is full will be offered this month.
Ruth Morrison, chair of the SMCC automotive engineering program, said there was a shortage of mechanics trained to use electric cars.
“The shortage of trained technicians is turning into an international crisis,” said Morrison. “There are a lot of electric and hybrid vehicles produced and we don’t have enough people who know how to work on them.”
For the class, the students take a practical, one-week course at the SMCC’s Automotive Technology Center, after initially completing 32 hours of online lessons.
