De Anza College Automotive Technology is working with Green Transportation Workforce Development to train and instruct technicians and shop owners in working with electric and hybrid vehicles, charging infrastructures, and natural gas vehicles. Classes will first be offered in spring quarter.

The California Energy Commission and the Education Training Program are reviewing the program and finalizing a reimbursement plan that will cover the estimated $750 cost per student.

“We are serving a need in the community, and it helps us get off of fossil fuels,” said Randy Bryant, department head and instructor for De Anza’s Automotive Technology division.

With a recent addition of a Chevy Volt and the probable additions of other electric and hybrid vehicles, Auto Tech’s expansion of their services and classes to include alternative fuel vehicles is already underway. As of January, Auto Tech was one of the first departments on the West coast to offer classes relating to strictly electric cars.

An electrical vehicle charging station powered by solar panels is planned to be built outside of the Auto Tech building within the next year.

Bryant said the program is “a great opportunity to partner with a premier training facility in Cupertino, excellent instructors and curriculum focused on providing this new technology training.”