Six Steps For Launching An EV Program at Your School

If you’re passionate about creating a new technical program at your educational institution, you’re already on the right path to making a difference.

Electric vehicle (EV) technology, cybersecurity, robotics, and other emerging fields need skilled workers—and students need high-quality education to meet these demands. However, getting a new program approved can seem overwhelming, especially in a technical field. This guide will walk you through the steps to navigate the curriculum approval process and successfully launch a new program at your institution.

This article is intended as a general guide, but please tuned as we will take a deep dive into each of these steps in the coming months! 

Step 1: Identify the Need for the Program

The first step is demonstrating the need for the program. Institutions and governing bodies require clear evidence that your proposed program will address specific workforce gaps. To do this:

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment: Use labor market data to show the demand for professionals in the field. You can obtain this data through local workforce development boards (WDBs), industry surveys, or national databases like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or Statistics Canada.
2. Engage Industry Partners: Form a Local Advisory Committee (LAC) or consult an Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC). These groups consist of industry professionals who can provide valuable input on workforce trends, the skills in demand, and even potential job placement for future graduates.
3. Craft a Needs Statement: Based on your research, write a detailed needs statement that outlines how your proposed program aligns with regional and national workforce needs. Include specific data and industry endorsements to support your case.

What is an Advisory Committee?

In both the U.S. and Canada, institutions are typically required to form an advisory committee to assist with the program’s development. This group should include:

1. Industry Experts: Representatives from companies that align with your program’s goals.
2. Educators: Faculty members with expertise in the field.
3. Administrators: School administrators who can provide insights on logistics, such as budgeting, staffing, and institutional resources.

This committee will help validate your program’s design and ensure it meets industry standards.

Step 2: Develop a Detailed Program Plan

Once the need is established and your advisory committee is in place, you’ll need to create a comprehensive program plan that includes:

Curriculum Development: The core of your proposal is the curriculum itself. Learning objectives should align with industry standards, certifications, and performance measures. For technical programs, make sure to include:

• • Hands-on training components, such as labs or internships.
  • A scope and sequence that lays out the program structure, including the sequence of courses and the competencies students will gain at each level.
  • Clear assessment methods, such as industry-standard exams (e.g., NOCTI, NIMS, or ASE for technical fields).
  • Safety protocols, especially for hands-on technical programs like electric vehicle repair or robotics.

Legacy EV has completed curriculum development for you and offers three different turn-key packages to get you up and running with EV Education quickly.

Instructor and Resource Requirements: Identify the faculty needed to teach the program, including any specialized training they may require. List the equipment, labs, and tools needed for successful program delivery, and outline the estimated budget for these resources. Legacy EV can help you with this too. 

Compliance with Certification Standards: Many technical fields require that programs lead to specific certifications. Make sure your program prepares students for these certifications and complies with local accreditation bodies and industry standards.

Administrative Strategies: Develop instructional strategies that align secondary and postsecondary education, creating a seamless path for students. Additionally, ensure your program includes support for students with special needs, meets non-discrimination policies, and incorporates student organizations like SkillsUSA.

Step 3: Submit for Institutional Approval

Before seeking external approval, your program will need to be approved internally by your institution’s governing board. This process typically involves:

• Presenting the Program Plan: Prepare a presentation for the Joint Operating Committee or Academic Council. Be ready to explain how the program aligns with institutional goals and serves the community.
• Budget and Staffing Approval: Work with administrators to finalize the budget, staffing requirements, and any additional resources needed.
• Pilot Program (Optional): Some institutions may prefer to start with a pilot program to test its feasibility. This can help you gather feedback, adjust the curriculum if necessary, and secure long-term buy-in.

Step 4: External Accreditation and Approval

Once your institution approves the program, you may need to seek approval from external regulatory bodies. Each state or province has its own requirements for postsecondary program approval. Here are some key steps to consider:

• State/Provincial Education Departments: Submit your program for review to the state or provincial department of education. For example, in Pennsylvania, this would involve meeting requirements in Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code, which includes having a local advisory committee and providing evidence of a program’s workforce demand.
• Postsecondary Accreditation: Ensure that your program meets the standards of accrediting agencies relevant to your institution. In the U.S., this could include regional accreditation agencies, while in Canada, it could involve provincial or national oversight bodies.
• Align with Industry Standards: For technical programs, it’s essential that your curriculum prepares students for recognized certifications. This might include aligning with standards from groups like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) or the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI). In addition to ASE certification, aligning your program with emerging accrediting bodies like the Electric Vehicle Standards Council (EVSC) is crucial as EV technology rapidly evolves. The EVSC is working to establish unified standards for EV education, ensuring programs meet the latest industry requirements in areas such as high-voltage safety and electric drivetrains. As EV standards are still in development, obtaining EVSC accreditation ensures that your program remains cutting-edge and relevant, positioning your graduates to excel in the fast-growing electric vehicle industry. Learn more at EVSC.
• Employer Endorsements: To further strengthen your application, include endorsements from local employers who will benefit from having a pipeline of skilled graduates.

Step 5: Market the Program

Once your program is approved, it’s time to promote it to prospective students and employers. Key strategies include:

• Collaborating with Industry: Engage with local businesses, offering them the opportunity to connect with students through internships, co-ops, or advisory roles.
• Showcasing Career Paths: Highlight the career opportunities available to graduates, and explain how your program equips students with the skills needed to succeed in emerging fields.
• Outreach to High Schools: Build relationships with high schools and promote dual-enrollment or pathway programs that let students earn credits toward your program.

Step 6: Launch and Evaluate

Once the program is running, it’s crucial to continually assess and improve it. Establish clear metrics for evaluating the program’s success, such as graduation rates, job placement, and industry feedback. Regularly update the curriculum to reflect the latest industry trends and technology advancements.

Conclusion

Developing and launching a new program at a technical institution may seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can successfully navigate the approval process. By grounding your program in industry demand, involving key stakeholders, and aligning with certification standards, you’ll be able to build a strong, sustainable program that prepares students for the future of work.

In the coming articles, we’ll take a deeper dive into each of these steps—from identifying industry needs and building stakeholder relationships to aligning your curriculum with certification standards. These detailed guides will provide actionable insights and best practices to help you confidently develop a program that meets both industry expectations and student needs.

Stay tuned for a step-by-step breakdown to support you through every stage of the process by subscribing to The EV Educator below.