SPECIAL REPORT
the involving digital technology will eventually attract new people to the industry, including younger people who’ve grown up with computers. He landed in the career after becoming enamored with engines in high school shop class. He added high schools, colleges and trade schools can do their part to train and encourage new mechanics to enter the field. That includes those who—as in the “old days”—might have tinkered with engines on their family farm, and those who come from a totally different background. “Even the cars are different today. You don’t see young
people souping up cars to make them go faster. Instead, they might put a chip in them,” mused Francis. Brittany Barrett, acting senior manager of strategy and
manufacturing engagement at the World Resources In- stitute (WRI), noted that shortages of trained mechanics even for conventional diesel buses make the landscape even trickier for electric buses. “It definitely is a concern and has been for a while,” she said. “There’s a lot of competition because [many] me- chanics also have to have CDLs. If you have your CDL, you can make a lot more money driving a truck.”
As School Transportation News reported last month, CDL
requirements have also contributed to a shortage of school bus drivers. Barrett said school districts may be reluctant to buy
electric buses if they are worried about not having the mechanics to work on them. But that should not be a stressor since conventional mechanics can receive training to work on electric buses, and OEMs and deal- ers typically offer training and service under warranty. Specifics of such arrangements can be negotiated during electric bus purchases. “Dealers and OEMs are doing the basic high-voltage training that would ensure mechanics know what’s okay to touch and what’s not,” Barrett said. “And anything that requires the high-voltage training would be serviced by the dealer because buses come with warranties. Honest- ly, it’s more general comfort level [needed,]” she said. WRI and its Electric School Bus Initiative is working with
community colleges to develop curriculums, including Bronx Community College through a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Even though the mechanic shortage is worrisome,
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