Ivy Tech Auto Students Hope EV Skills Will Help Their Careers
When Diego Rivas heard about a new set of electric and hybrid vehicle classes at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, he jumped at the chance to enroll.
Now an apprentice at a Whitestown car dealership after finishing up Ivy Tech’s automotive technology program in December, he hopes that by building up his high-voltage skills — which are in demand — he’ll become an indispensable employee and get paid more.
The median annual wage for an auto technician is $47,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But EV techs earn over $10,000 more on average, jobs website ZipRecruiter says.
“Not a lot of people are practicing this skill,” the 21-year-old said. “It puts you ahead.”
Ivy Tech ramped up its electric and hybrid vehicle education at its Indianapolis facility with two new classes this fall. Students in the automotive technology program can learn about the unique features of electric and hybrid cars, as well as safety procedures and diagnostic tests.
