Triton College Prepares Students for Booming Electric Vehicle Industry with EV Repair and Charger Programs

Mohsin Habeeb, chair of Triton’s Honda PACT program, gives a demonstration to students in Triton College’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Service Technician program.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College is preparing students for the fast-growing electric vehicle industry with two workforce programs focused on EV repair and charging infrastructure.

Through its Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Service Technician and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation and Maintenance programs, students gain hands-on experience with emerging automotive technology and develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.

View this short video to see how Triton College and its students are energizing the future.

With automakers investing billions in electric vehicles and states expanding charging infrastructure, the demand for technicians trained to repair EVs and install charging systems is rapidly growing. Global electric vehicle sales surpassed 17 million in 2024 and are expected to exceed 20 million in 2025—more than one-quarter of all cars sold worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency. Triton College’s programs provide career-focused instruction designed to help students enter this expanding industry with in-demand technical skills.

In Triton’s Hybrid and EV Repair certificate program, students gain industry-recognized skills aligned with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) L3 standards and employer expectations. Taught by industry professionals, the 13-credit-hour program emphasizes practical training in automotive repair, preparing students for real-world work in the field.

“At Triton, we pride ourselves on our students having the ability to actually fix the car, not just understand the theory of it,” said Mohsin Habeeb, chair of Triton’s Honda PACT program. “The industry is asking for technicians—they don’t want oil changers; they don’t want entry-level workers—they want skilled, qualified technicians, and that’s what our graduates are.”

Students in the program work directly with major EV platforms from General Motors, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota, Subaru and Lexus.

“Hybrid and electric vehicles are a newer thing, and unfortunately some … technicians who have been in the business for a long time don’t have the proper knowledge to work on them,” said student Romario Ochoa. “It’s really cool that we get to learn this as the next generation of automotive technicians. It gives us a leg up because we get the proper training to understand these vehicles and how they work.”

Outside the classroom, many of Habeeb’s students gain experience working in dealerships through opportunities secured through the program. Ochoa works at a local Acura dealership as a service repair technician.

“This program builds our confidence and makes us more comfortable working on these vehicles that we’re seeing more and more of every day,” he said. “After this program, I’m going to be fighting for that ticket when a hybrid or electric vehicle needs repair.”

In the EV Charger Installation and Maintenance program, students develop a comprehensive understanding of EV charging systems—from charger types and specifications to advanced installation and troubleshooting techniques. They also build a strong foundation in electrical theory, safety protocols and industry standards such as the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Students train in an advanced learning lab equipped with the latest hardware from EV charger manufacturers, where they learn how to assemble and install charging units and test for faults.

With excitement growing around the electric vehicle market, Triton College Chair of Engineering Technology Andrea Blaylock emphasized the need for expanded charging infrastructure to support rising demand.

“In Illinois, Triton is one of only six community colleges developing an EV charger infrastructure program,” Blaylock said. “As the automotive industry undergoes its largest transformation in a century, Triton’s EV program places students at the vanguard of this technological revolution.”

Julian Borchardt of Oak Park came to Triton College to pursue an electrical career and enrolled in the EV Charger program to expand his qualifications and pursue high-impact work in the energy sector.

“I think electricity is just awesome. Early on, it was something that you could only hope for,” he said. “Like you would hope for electric light in your home. But seeing how far that technology has come and how it’s being applied today with electric vehicles is just amazing. This program allows us to tap into this booming industry and understand how the technology works and how we can support it.”

Graduates of the EV Charger program are prepared to work for electric utilities, infrastructure contractors and EV manufacturers such as Tesla or Rivian.

“There has never been a better time to get started in this industry,” Blaylock said. “At Triton, students receive the training needed to succeed in an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.”

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.