Brockton High Embraces the Electric Future: Automotive Program Prepares Students for the Clean Energy Revolution

Brockton High School is leading the charge in preparing the next generation of automotive technicians for the electric vehicle (EV) era. With a major grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the school's auto-shop department is undergoing a transformative upgrade, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to service and maintain the clean-energy cars of the future.

Driving Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow: Brockton High's Automotive Program Fuels the Clean Energy Transition

Electrifying the Curriculum: Brockton High's Auto-Shop Goes Green

As Massachusetts sets its sights on phasing out gas-powered vehicles over the next decade, Brockton High School is proactively adapting its automotive technology curriculum to meet the demands of the evolving industry. The school's auto-shop, housed in the basement of the fine arts building, is undergoing a significant overhaul, with the addition of new tools and equipment designed to educate students on the intricacies of electric vehicle maintenance and repair."Electric vehicles are going to be the future," said Enrique Cruz, a senior and auto-tech student at Brockton High. "If you want to get into the industry, you're going to have to learn it." The program's expansion will equip students with the necessary skills to service and maintain the clean-energy cars that are poised to dominate the market in the years to come.

Powering Up the Next Generation: Brockton High's Automotive Program Embraces the EV Revolution

The auto-shop department at Brockton High has long been a hub of hands-on learning, where students hone their skills in servicing traditional gas-powered vehicles. With the influx of grant funding from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the program is now set to take a giant leap forward, incorporating electric vehicle technology into its curriculum."This program is going to be awesome," said automotive tech teacher Wayne Denham, who has over 30 years of experience in the auto engineering field. "The funding will breathe a whole new life into the program." Students will now have the opportunity to work with electric-powered engines in addition to their existing training on gas-powered systems, preparing them for the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

Fueling the Future Workforce: Brockton High's Automotive Program Paves the Way for Clean Energy Careers

As Massachusetts strives to meet its ambitious climate goals, the state's need for a skilled workforce in the clean energy sector is paramount. According to Katherine Antos, the undersecretary for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the state must add 34,000 jobs to the clean energy sector by 2030 to achieve its targets."This is the moment we're in now," said Antos, addressing a crowd at Brockton High during an event celebrating the school's automotive program expansion. "We need to provide the resources to support that interest." By equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to work on electric vehicles, Brockton High is positioning its graduates to be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, ready to fill the growing demand for skilled technicians in the EV industry.

Driving Innovation: Brockton High's Automotive Program Accelerates the Transition to Sustainable Transportation

The state's efforts to transition from gas-powered to electric school buses are a testament to the urgency of the clean energy transition. As Robin Sidman, the founder and executive director of Project Green Schools, noted, the grant funding secured by Brockton High will "develop the next gen of excitement" and "put students at the forefront" of the electric vehicle movement."You're going to need that pipeline," Sidman said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support the growing EV industry. Brockton High's automotive program is poised to be a crucial part of that pipeline, equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to become the next generation of automotive technicians, ready to drive the clean energy revolution forward.For students like Enrique Cruz, the opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformative shift is both exciting and empowering. "For sure, I would love to make a positive impact on the world," he said, reflecting the aspirations of the young minds shaping the future of the automotive industry.