Leaders from ChargerHelp and Michigan Central have unveiled a shared vision focused on dismantling barriers within the tech, electrification, and mobility industries. This collaborative effort seeks to not only address societal challenges but also aims to cultivate the local talent pool in southeast Michigan, ushering in a wave of opportunities for its residents.
In a notable development, a nationally certified course has been launched. This training, which spans between six and eight weeks, is a bespoke design for Michigan Central and is a result of their collaboration with the Society for Automotive Engineers Sustainable Mobility Solutions. Tailored to suit working adults, the training ensures that once Detroit residents are certified, they could earn a starting salary of $67,000 annually, a figure that promises to surge with the escalating demand tied to the proliferation of EVs and their corresponding charging infrastructure.
Michigan Central, in tandem with the Detroit at Work initiative, is dedicated to training residents and providing job placement support post-certification. For those eager to commence their journey, registration for the initial cohort, which kicks off this November, is now open with succeeding sessions lined up throughout 2024. Prospective participants are encouraged to visit www.michigancentral.com/chargerhelp for registration details.
Several stakeholders including the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Detroit at Work are pooling resources to champion skill enhancement at Michigan Central, with Michigan Central shouldering the funding for the premiere ChargerHelp cohort. Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Michigan Central’s Director of Skills, accentuated the evolving landscape stating, “EV adoption at scale will continue to drive demand for technicians, with significant growth in renewable-energy generation and energy storage solutions.”
Adding weight to the imperative of this initiative, Barnett-Harrison avowed in a press release, “At Michigan Central, we believe Detroiters must be included in the new economic opportunities provided by our changing economy. Climate change, mobility challenges and technological advances will require a new skill set, and we want to make sure Detroiters are equipped with the tools they need to land the in-demand jobs of not only today, but tomorrow.”
The co-founders of ChargerHelp, Kameale Terry and Evette Ellis, are trailblazers not only in the electric vehicle industry but also as Black women entrepreneurs. Their leadership in founding ChargerHelp in Los Angeles in 2020 signifies an important stride in increasing representation in both the tech and electrification sectors. By identifying and addressing the significant gap in the availability of service technicians for electric vehicle charging stations, they have not only carved out a niche in a booming industry but also serve as an inspiration for other Black women aiming to make their mark in traditionally underrepresented fields. Their determination and innovative spirit underscore the potential and impact of diverse leadership in the world of startups and tech.
A pivotal drive behind Michigan Central’s Skills program is addressing the concern that Black and Latino workers risk exclusion from futuristic job roles, as noted by Michigan Central representatives.
Kameale Terry, CEO and co-founder of ChargerHelp, underscored the gravity of a competent workforce, saying to Detroit News, “There has to be a workforce dedicated to maintaining the technical complexities of the EV chargers. EV charging stations will be deployed throughout the state, chargers need to work, and they must remain reliable for EV drivers. For those who think that these jobs aren’t for them, that they can’t do it, I want to assure them that they absolutely can, and we are here to help them every step of the way to ensure they succeed.”
Prospective enrollees need to meet three stipulations: they must be Detroit residents, demonstrate ninth-grade reading proficiency, and either hold a high school diploma or a GED. If the latter is missing, Detroit at Work steps in to bridge the gap. The program offers comprehensive support, ranging from academic assistance to logistical amenities such as childcare and transport.
Echoing the sentiment of empowerment and progress, according to Detroit News, Dana Williams, President and CEO of the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, which orchestrates Detroit at Work, proclaimed, “We are pleased to partner with Michigan Central to help provide Detroit residents with this training. Our mission is to prepare Detroiters for good-paying jobs in multiple sectors of the economy, including emerging sectors such as electric-vehicle charging. This partnership does just that. It is good for Detroit and good for Detroiters.”
Originating in Los Angeles in 2020, ChargerHelp was the brainchild of Terry and Evette Ellis. They embarked on a mission to redress the imbalance between the demand for service technicians and the lacuna in the industry, aiming to democratize access to lucrative roles in electrification.
Aspiring participants can stay abreast of future opportunities by registering their interest at https://michigancentral.com/community/skills-programming.
Finally, reiterating the larger objective behind these endeavors, Joshua Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central, articulated to Detroit News, “Economic growth is crucial for Detroit and the region. Michigan Central’s vision is to help create meaningful opportunities that will also contribute to equitable economic growth. We will do this by investing in skills training and being intentional about creating pathways for Detroit residents.”
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