Albany Tech holds Automotive Technology and Electrical Vehicle Lab Renovation Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany Technical College (ATC) is adding on to one of their longest running programs.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche has more.

Robert Jackson spends his retirement as a student in Albany Technical Colleges (ATC) Automotive Technology Program…

And… he got to take part in cutting the ribbon on the school’s new Electric Vehicle Lab.

“I can’t wait until the training is started. They’re setting up the equipment now. We haven’t started training yet, but I’m biting at the bit to get into that training,” said Robert Jackson, ATC student.

The new EV Lab is part of a $2 million expansion to the current automotive building.

Albany Tech President, Dr. Emmett Griswold says this EV Lab program will have some differences to what’s been taught before.

“There’s a difference as well; a lot of computerized software diagnostics that’s going to be needed for students to have those capabilities to interpret data from computer systems. So, the transportation, the automotive industry is evolving all around, not just in EV, but just regular vehicles as well,” said Dr. Emmett Griswold, President, Albany Technical College (ATC).

While students like Robert will get to go under the hood this fall, Dr. Griswold says this expansion is needed as electric vehicles become more common on the road.

“Transportation and automotive is evolving into the hybrid electrical era. So, we want to make sure that our students are prepared and provide the competent workers for employers,” said Dr. Griswold.

And… students like Robert know that as EV’s become more commonplace, there’s going to be a gap to fill for people who know these cars inside and out.

“This is a growing field that can be very lucrative in the future. And, I would advise both males and females to look into the opportunities,” said Jackson.

The renovations add on another 10,000 square feet to Albany Tech’s automotive facility.

Brian Roche reporting.

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