Austin Community College is receiving approximately $330,000 to give automotive students more practical training with electric vehicles and fleet-maintenance equipment.
The money comes from the Texas Workforce Commission's Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program. ACC announced the award after a presentation at its Riverside Campus on Thursday, September 3.
College officials say the grant will pay for industry-standard equipment used in battery-electric vehicle and fleet maintenance work. The aim is to let students practise on the technology they are likely to encounter after entering the automotive workforce, rather than limiting their experience to classroom instruction.
Training planned for two ACC campuses
The equipment and programme are currently based at ACC's Riverside Campus in southeast Austin. The college plans to extend the training to its Round Rock Campus, although its announcement did not give an opening date for that expansion.
The funding supports courses connected with automotive technology, fleet maintenance and emerging transportation systems. ACC says it works with employers and education partners to align those courses with workforce needs across Central Texas.
For students, the changes should mean more opportunities to learn how electric and hybrid vehicles differ from conventional models, including how technicians safely access and maintain their systems. That experience is intended to make the transition from college training to workshop employment more direct.
What the state grant can fund
The Jobs and Education for Texans programme helps eligible public colleges and other qualifying education providers buy and install equipment for career and technical education. To qualify, the supported courses must lead towards a licence, certificate or post-secondary degree in an occupation identified as being in high demand.
ACC's award was presented alongside grants recognising Hearne Independent School District and Lometa Independent School District. Those awards are separate from the Austin college's funding.
The college has not said how many ACC students will use the new equipment, when every purchase will be completed or when the Round Rock expansion will begin. Those details will be added if the college publishes a delivery timetable.
Prospective students can find programme and admissions information through ACC's Automotive Technology department. The grant amount, locations and stated purpose are set out in Austin Community College District's official announcement.
