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Project

#479 Advancing Transportation Safety and Workforce Development in Emerging Technologies - Community College of Philadelphia


Principal Investigator
Richard Saxton
Status
Active
Start Date
July 1, 2023
End Date
June 30, 2024
Project Type
Education - Workforce Development
Grant Program
US DOT BIL, Safety21, 2023 - 2028 (4811)
Grant Cycle
Safety21 : 23-24
Visibility
Public

Abstract

Abstract: Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) aims to address the pressing need for skilled technicians in emerging transportation technologies, specifically electric vehicles (EVs). This proposal aligns with Safety21's mission to foster safer transportation systems while creating pathways to quality jobs and addressing the climate crisis.
Through this project, the Transportation Technologies (TT) department at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) plans to increase exposure and awareness of emerging alternative fuels, specifically related to electric vehicles and challenges around safety in the transportation industry. 
The TT department faculty in collaboration with local consultants will attract and provide technical skills training to automotive and heavy truck technicians, allowing them to upskill and earn short-term credentials. Students deciding to enroll in this training will be able to add to their skillset, learn how to safely diagnose and repair vehicles with electric drive systems, receive training around the Advance Drive Assist System, utilize driver simulator software, and become more efficient 1st responders. 
Being that electric drive systems are a new and completely different means of propulsion, requiring a thorough understanding of motor control and high voltage electrical systems, we hope to develop an educational funnel for our area partners, leverage existing and new programs, and train a robust student body in the Community.    

Objectives:
1.	Workforce Development in Emerging Transportation Technologies:
•	Train automotive and heavy truck technicians in EV diagnostics and repair.
•	Offer specialized skills training for first responders dealing with EV incidents.
•	Establish an educational funnel for regional partners to address the growing demand for EV expertise.
2.	Program Expansion and Access to Industry-Relevant Equipment:
•	Expand workforce development programs at CCP's Career and Advanced Technology Center.
•	Provide access to cutting-edge equipment necessary for EV diagnostics and repairs.
3.	Community Impact and Equity:
•	Prioritize underrepresented groups and offer affordable, accessible training.
•	Create job opportunities and advance career growth for individuals transitioning into the EV industry.
•	Address transportation system inequities by empowering a diverse workforce in this emerging field.
    
Description

    
Timeline

    
Strategic Description / RD&T
Alignment with US DOT RD&T Plan:
•	Safety Promotion: Equipping technicians with EV expertise enhances safety, aligning with the goal of reducing fatalities and injuries in transportation.
•	Economic Growth: Creating pathways to quality jobs and fostering a sustainable economy by preparing individuals for roles in the evolving transportation industry.
•	Equity and Sustainability: Addressing transportation system inequities and contributing to a sustainable future by tackling the climate crisis through specialized training in emerging technologies.
CCP's proposed initiative aligns with Safety21's objectives by prioritizing workforce development, industry preparedness, and community equity in the transportation sector. Through this grant, we aim to not only meet the immediate needs of the industry but also contribute to a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable transportation future.
Deployment Plan
3rd and 4th quarter 2023 
Host a16 hour workshop with Hunter Engineering for Automotive and Medium/Heavy Truck technicians for Advanced Driver Assist Technologies. This training will provide driver assist technology training to instruct technicians on ways to use technology to reduce collision & improve driver performance, assist drivers with safe operations of a vehicle, and collision avoidance systems,

Partner with Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation to provide 8 hour workshops for First Responders on how to handle alternative Fuel Vehicles in emergency situations. Power and Fuel shut offs, fire containment and other lifesaving issues. 

1st quarter 2024

Host a16 hour workshop with Hunter Engineering for Automotive and Medium/Heavy Truck technicians for Advanced Driver Assist Technologies. This training will provide driver assist technology training to instruct technicians on ways to use technology to reduce collision & improve driver performance, assist drivers with safe operations of a vehicle, and collision avoidance systems,

Partner with Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation to provide 8 hour workshops for First Responders on how to handle alternative Fuel Vehicles in emergency situations. Power and Fuel shut offs, fire containment and other lifesaving issues. 

1st and 2nd Quarter   

Market, recruit, and enroll students into the ALTF 101 credit course, ‘Electric Drive Vehicles’ –

In this course, students learn how to safely diagnose and repair vehicles with electric drive systems. Electric drive systems are a new and completely different means of propulsion, requiring a thorough understanding of motor control and high voltage electrical systems. Students learn the differences between various vehicle charging technologies and about issues concerning the current U.S. infrastructure supporting electric drive vehicles (power grids and charging stations). Students also have the opportunity to earn manufacturer certifications.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to take the ALTF 102 course on Hybrid Vehicles and work towards obtaining the Alternative Fuels I Micro-Proficiency Certificate in Electric Vehicles and Hybrids.

Expected Outcomes/Impacts
Anticipated Outcomes:
Outcome 1: Skilled Workforce Development
Skilled Technicians in EV Diagnostics and Repair:
•	Through specialized training and hands-on education, technicians will acquire in-depth knowledge of electric drive systems. This will enable them to effectively diagnose, maintain, and repair electric vehicles, contributing to enhanced safety in transportation.
•	Trained technicians will possess the expertise necessary to handle high voltage electrical systems, ensuring the safety of both vehicles and individuals interacting with EVs.
Increased Employment Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups:
•	By prioritizing underrepresented groups in the training programs, the initiative will help bridge the gap in employment opportunities within the transportation industry. This aligns with Safety21's goal of promoting equity and diversity in transportation sectors.
Contributing to a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce:
•	The initiative will foster a more diverse workforce by offering accessible training programs that attract individuals from various cultural backgrounds and life experiences. This increased diversity will create a more inclusive and representative transportation sector.
Outcome 2: Enhanced Industry Preparedness and Equipment Accessibility
Expanded Programs in Emerging Transportation Technologies:
•	The expansion of programs at CCP's Career and Advanced Technology Center will not only provide comprehensive training but also adapt to the evolving needs of the transportation industry. This flexibility ensures that the curriculum remains aligned with industry standards and technological advancements.
Improved Access to State-of-the-Art Equipment:
•	Access to cutting-edge equipment is crucial for hands-on learning and practical skill development. This grant will facilitate the procurement of advanced tools and equipment necessary for training, ensuring that students and technicians are well-equipped to handle modern transportation technology.
Outcome 3: Community Impact and Equity in Transportation
Increased Representation and Employment Opportunities:
•	Prioritizing underrepresented groups in training programs will directly lead to increased representation within the transportation sector. By providing access to quality education and job opportunities, the initiative aims to address historical inequities in this field.
Reduction of Transportation System Inequities:
•	Targeted training programs and initiatives aimed at diversifying the transportation workforce directly contribute to reducing inequities in transportation systems. By empowering a more inclusive workforce, the initiative takes a step toward creating a fairer and more accessible transportation infrastructure.
By emphasizing these outcomes, this proposal not only addresses the immediate need for skilled technicians in emerging transportation technologies but also aligns closely with Safety21's broader objectives of safety, economic growth, equity, sustainability, and the reduction of transportation system inequities.
Expected Outputs

    
TRID


    

Individuals Involved

Email Name Affiliation Role Position
Sbacher@ccp.edu Bacher, Steve Community College of Philadelphia Other Staff - Business Manager
shartshepherd@ccp.edu Hart Shepherd, Samatha Community College of Philadelphia Other Staff - Business Manager
Anorment@ccp.edu Norment, Arielle Community College of Philadelphia Co-PI Other
rsaxton@ccp.edu Saxton, Richard Community College of Philadelphia PI Faculty - Tenured

Budget

Amount of UTC Funds Awarded
$
Total Project Budget (from all funding sources)
$100000.00

Documents

Type Name Uploaded
Data Management Plan Data_Management_Plan_VvwHMlt.pdf Nov. 27, 2023, 6:24 a.m.
Progress Report 479_Progress_Report_2024-03-31 March 29, 2024, 6:24 a.m.

Match Sources

No match sources!

Partners

Name Type
Hunter Engineering Deployment Partner Deployment Partner
Eastern PA Alliance for Clean Transportation Deployment Partner Deployment Partner