Through the Volvo LIGHTS project, SBVC launched a comprehensive electric truck technician training initiative in Fall 2020, and this May, the first five students graduated from the Heavy/Medium Clean Vehicle Technology program. These students, who also received $1,000 scholarships from Southern California Edison for completing the program, are the next generation of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle maintenance techs, receiving hands-on training with electric motors and batteries. SBVC was able to purchase the equipment because of the Volvo LIGHTS project, a collaboration between Volvo Trucks North America, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, SBVC, and several other organizations. “The Heavy-/Medium-Duty Truck Technology program is an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals as well as those new to the workplace,” says Kenny Melancon, faculty chair of Automotive, Auto Collision, and Heavy-/Medium-Duty Truck within the Applied Technology, Transportation and Culinary Arts Department at San Bernardino Valley College. “Anyone wishing to learn about battery-electric truck technology to start their career or enhance their current work experience can benefit from this program and utilize their knowledge in the real word immediately upon completion.”
