As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular across the United States, demand for technicians who can work on them has also increased substantially. In a recent report by Edmonds, there are more than 4 million EVs on the road today, with that number expected to skyrocket to at least 30 million by 2030. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the U.S. will need 35,000 more EV technicians by 2028 to keep up with demand.

Recognizing this growing industry for jobs, CoreCivic has partnered with technician training program Legacy EV to provide residents at our Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, an opportunity to learn skills to become an EV technician and earn industry-recognized certifications.

The Legacy EV program begins in the classroom. Students learn proper safety procedures, how to use personal protective equipment, and the basics of high voltage systems. Once they pass initial assessments, they can transition to hands-on learning using fully equipped workstations and state-of-the-art tools.

Justin Barnes, a participant of the Legacy EV program at Red Rock, shared that while he has a history of working on gas-powered vehicles, this program has taught him an entirely new skillset that he plans to use upon reentry.

"This program will allow me to open my own mechanic workshop where I can work on these EVs. It's a hot commodity right now, with a lot of [cars] going out of warranty, I can make a shop to fix them," Barnes said.

His expanded mechanic skills are one material benefit earned from participation in the Legacy EV program, but Barnes shared his favorite element of the program has been working with other participants in a teamwork capacity to figure out how to diagnose and fix problems that arise.

"This program has allowed me to stay focused, keep a level head, give me something to work toward and work for," Barnes said.

When participants graduate, they earn High Voltage Level 1 and High Voltage Level 2 certifications and receive a voucher to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification test. The certifications apply to every brand of electric vehicle and can be used in other career fields, including solar panel installation, working on charging stations, and more.

Rob Ward, founder and CEO of Legacy EV, explained that when he and his co-founder started the company six years ago, education was always at the forefront.

"At Legacy, our goal is to train the workforce in EV technology, basically the future automotive workforce," Ward said. "We do everything from junior high after school programs all the way to full curriculums at universities."

For Ward, implementing the Legacy EV training into a correctional facility has been an exciting experience, especially because it equips incarcerated individuals with the skills needed to find a career upon release.

"I know there are very smart people who end up in the system," Ward said. "Having the ability to equip these guys with training so [that] when they get out, they stand a better shot at getting a job in an industry that has already shown willingness to hire, is exciting."

For Barnes, learning about and working on electric vehicles has done more than provide him with job opportunities, it's giving him hope for the future.

"It makes me feel accomplished—I feel like I'm actually working toward something and for something," Barnes said. "It gives us a sense of purpose because we can take these skills to the outside. I'm grateful for this opportunity."

In May, Red Rock held its first Legacy EV graduation ceremony, where 24 participants received industry-recognized certifications.