CNM Adding Electric Vehicle Certificate to Automotive Technology Program

Starting with the Fall Term, students interested in the future of transportation can earn an Electric Vehicle  certificate from CNM. There’s also an opportunity to earn up to nine Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) electric vehicle certifications during the two-term program. 

“Electric cars have been around since the late 90s, and it’s clear that these vehicles are here to stay,” says Curtis Garand, CNM automotive instructor and faculty chair. “This certificate program will prepare students to service electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and help them gain the necessary skills and certifications to enter this growing workforce.”

Curtis has been teaching a one-term introductory EV course since Fall 2023, where students build an EV from the frame up. Along with planning, designing, and building the EV, students also learn about the different safety practices needed when working on a battery-powered vehicle. At the end of the term, the students get to test drive their finished product. 

In the certificate program, students will gain a more in-depth understanding of these processes  and skills so they can quickly enter the workforce. 

“The certificate program was specifically designed to teach students the skills they need to be a well-rounded technician,” Curtis explains. “We also made sure to integrate the minimum ASE certification requirements that employers require so they’re one step ahead when they enter the workforce after graduating.”

Walter Morales, an Automotive Technology student, is currently enrolled in the one-term EV class and has enjoyed building an EV vehicle as part of his education. 

“Going into the auto program, I knew EV’s and HEVs were going to continue to grow in popularity so I wanted to get ahead of the curve,” he says. “I definitely feel like what I’m learning will help me stand out in the workforce, and I really enjoy the team building aspect of the class.”

Dung Dac Nguyen, Walter’s classmate and a finance student, enrolled in the class to learn how EV’s work and why they are a good investment for consumers. 

“I decided to take this class so I could learn how EV’s work on a basic level,” Dung Dac says. “As we’ve worked on the car and I’ve completed my coursework, I have a better understanding of why electric vehicles are good for people and the planet, as well as for profit from a financial point of view.”

As Curtis gears up for the fall term, he’s looking forward to the expansion of electric vehicle education and providing a new opportunity for students to learn a valuable and in-demand skill set. 

“There are pros and cons to every vehicle, but as an automotive technician it’s important to be able to service any car that comes into the shop, and this certificate program will prepare students to do just that,” he says. 

Enrollment for the electric vehicle certificate program opens this summer. If you have questions, please contact Curtis Garand at cgarand@cnm.edu