Gone are the days when auto workers and construction specialists can grab a pair of pliers and roll up their sleeves. Today’s houses and cars are powered by sophisticated electronics and technology that’s revolutionizing the skill sets these valued professionals need.
Nowhere is this more true than in New England. Quartz recently rated Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut as four of the top-10 most EV-friendly states in the nation. The region also consistently ranks at the top of energy efficiency, boasting high adoption rates and large investments in solar and heat pump technology.
What does that mean for today’s CTE programs and community colleges?
The race is already on to deliver hands-on training experiences with industry-relevant technology in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and automotive. Here’s an overview of these developing industries and the cutting-edge training systems you’ll find in the top classrooms today.
Where the Future Is Leading
The housing and transportation landscape in the Northeast is transforming rapidly, with states pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into green tech and energy efficiency. In the past 2 years alone, New England states invested $450 million in heat pump initiatives and nearly $100 million in EV infrastructure.
These opportunities are creating big changes in the following industries:
- HVAC and plumbing. Technicians will be expected to understand how to install, maintain, and repair high-efficiency systems.
- Electrical. Photovoltaic cells, battery storage, and power systems all require specialized training.
- Automotive. Workers will need to be familiar with servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing advanced EV and hybrid systems.
Funding Opportunities for Massachusetts Technical Schools and Colleges
Advanced training systems in these areas are investments, but schools and colleges don’t have to go it alone. States like Massachusetts are offering millions in grants to help educators keep pace.
The MassCEC Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment & Infrastructure Grant program is just one of many funding opportunities programs can take advantage of. They provide critical funding for training equipment, technology, educator instruction, and training ecosystem development.
And while the possibilities are broad, support will go to the programs that have the clearest vision and implementation strategies. Engaging a consulting partner with a long track record supporting New England technical schools and colleges is essential for securing funding and making the most of your investment.
Massachusetts High Schools with Updated Labs
Several regional high schools have recently updated their labs thanks to the MassCEC grant, and they’re already delivering top-tier training experiences their students can take directly to the workplace.
Plymouth South High School
80% of residences in New England utilize electronic or computerized heating and air conditioning systems, and modern energy management systems (EMS) are standard in commercial spaces.
The Plymouth School System secured a MassCEC grant to install state-of-the-art HVAC and electrical technical training equipment. They partnered with AET Labs to secure funding, select equipment, and handle delivery, installation, and training.
Their HVAC program added training systems from LabTech, which cover a wide range of modern hardware and software, including:
- Heat Pumps
- Chillers
- Commercial refrigeration
- Geothermal
LabTech uses only high-quality industrial components and fittings that align with real-world experiences, including digital interfaces.
Plymouth has also invested in Industry 4.0 process control training through Matrix Labs for their electrical technology program. Their turnkey platforms provide hands-on training in critical areas like:
- Electrical Machines and Drives
- Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Energy
- Battery Storage
- Power Systems
Matrix platforms all meet current industrial standards and offer scalable solutions to fit the needs of labs of all sizes.
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Schools
The Dighton-Rehoboth district is leaning into the automotive technology boom in Massachusetts with an upgraded auto shop that provides EV and hybrid training, funded by the MassCEC grant. AET Labs provided expert guidance on the grant application, training system recommendations, as well as overseeing ordering, delivery, installation, and training to ensure the process was smooth every step of the way.
The Legacy EV Intro to Electric Vehicles Training Bench provides a brand-agnostic workstation where learners can explore every aspect of EV maintenance and service. Dighton-Rehoboth students are using the Training Bench to learn industry-relevant skills like:
- High-voltage safety
- System programming
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Wiring
They’re also delivering a highly realistic exposure to hybrid vehicle systems with the AutoEDU Half Hybrid Prius II. Unlike virtual training tech, the AutoEDU platform optimizes both space and realism with a full electrical system, ABS, engine, airbags, and more.
And to ensure students have a wide range of expertise, the KG ProTech allows instructors to turn any car into a training system. This compact, mobile system works on standard, electric, and hybrid vehicles, and can simulate potential issues from ABS issues to injection pump faults.
Taking Your Technical Education Program Into the Future with AET Labs
New England will continue to lead the way on efficiency and green energy infrastructure. At AET Labs, we’re partnering with some of the region’s most advanced technical schools and community colleges to keep their labs up to date and relevant for evolving industry needs.
We specialize in helping schools and colleges with grant opportunities, consultation for lab design, renovating or building new spaces, and identifying ideal equipment for your program needs. We also ensure delivery and installation are seamless and support instructors with training and resources.
Contact AET Labs today to learn more about how we can help you transform your clean energy teaching.
