Siemens Foundation said it will invest $ 30 million in 10 years (currently about RMB 219 million) for workforce development, focusing on the fast-growing electric vehicle charging field.
The foundation is a non-profit organization operated by Germany’s Siemens in the U.S., and its partners include the National League of Cities and the American Governors Association, according to public information.
The number of jobs that are needed there is huge and imminent,” said David Eitzweiler, the foundation’s CEO.
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The program aims to train a diverse and inclusive workforce, starting in Michigan and North Carolina, to build, install, and operate the infrastructure that will support the future demand for electric vehicles.
Siemens Stiftung is working with the North Carolina Education Business Council and the Michigan Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP).
EVITP says it has trained and certified “thousands” of technicians in the U.S. and Canada to install and maintain electric vehicle supply equipment, primarily charging stations. Many public charging stations suffer from widespread damage, a common complaint among EV owners.
EVITP stakeholders are said to include automakers such as General Motors and BMW, equipment manufacturers, and utility companies.
Etzwiler said the program will emphasize training for individuals in underserved and underrepresented communities, providing a pathway to well-paying, long-term jobs in the EV charging industry.
He said automakers will support the foundation to ensure “we have a network of charging stations across the country” to support accelerated electric vehicle production.
