Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), Louisiana Clean Fuels (LCF), and partners announced the launch of the GUMBO (Guaranteeing Access to Underserved and Marginalized Populations by Building Employment Opportunities) Workforce Development Initiative during a press conference at the Automotive Training Center located on the BRCC Ardendale Campus.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the Vehicle Technologies Program Office, this groundbreaking collaboration aims to address the urgent need for skilled Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and operations technicians. The initiative will support the growth of our nation's electric vehicle charging infrastructure and will train Louisiana residents to install, maintain, and service electric vehicle charging equipment.
Through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, BRCC will develop the curriculum for the GUMBO workforce program as well as purchase equipment and train instructors. Low-cost training for the public through the GUMBO Initiative will be available beginning Summer 2024. Technicians specializing in EVSE installation can anticipate earning between $40,000 to $65,000 per year.
The GUMBO Initiative concept was developed in response to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program that will create a demand for EVSE installation, operations, and maintenance technicians. As many as 300 new DC fast chargers will be installed under the state’s competitive grant program administered by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The GUMBO initiative will be instrumental in ensuring the successful deployment of these NEVI funds across the country.
"Baton Rouge Community College is honored to partner with Louisiana Clean Fuels in launching the GUMBO Workforce Development Initiative,” said Dr. Willie E. Smith, Chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing critical training that will enable our students to meet and address employment opportunities for the future. We are proud to play a pivotal role in building the skilled workforce needed for the clean transportation industry."
“Louisiana Clean Fuels is proud to lead this innovative project that will ensure that our local workforce is trained and ready to install the infrastructure needed to support our state’s growing demand for electric vehicles,” said Ann Vail, Executive Director of Louisiana Clean Fuels. “Millions of dollars in federal funding and private investment are coming to our state to build out this charging network. The goal of the GUMBO initiative is to keep as much of that money here in the state, and in the pockets of our hard-working Louisianians as possible.”
The GUMBO Project will leverage the expertise of Cerritos College, BRCC, and ChargerHelp! and the support of eight additional Clean Cities coalitions and community partners to engage underrepresented and under-supported populations in skill-building, education, and training. The EVSE installation, maintenance, and repair programs piloted in Louisiana will serve as a model for communities nationwide, enabling individuals to earn high-demand credentials in EV charging equipment installation, operations, and maintenance.
Key objectives of the GUMBO Initiative include:
- Developing a free and easily accessible replication resource kit for educational institutions and community-based organizations, offering curriculum, best practices, webinars, and access to a Peer-to-Peer network of professionals.
- Establishing a fully operational Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network that supports project learning dissemination and technical assistance.
- Providing Clean Cities coalitions with resources and training to facilitate outreach with local educational institutions and community-based organizations.
- Making a free EVSE installation and operations curriculum replication resource kit publicly available on multiple platforms.
- Compiling a comprehensive report tracking course completions, hiring statistics of students in the programs, and demographic information to quantify Justice40 statistics and measure program effectiveness.
With the GUMBO Workforce Development Initiative, Baton Rouge Community College and Louisiana Clean Fuels are committed to building a brighter and more sustainable future for communities across Louisiana and the nation by fostering employment opportunities in the clean transportation industry.
For more information about the GUMBO Initiative, visit mybrcc.edu, louisianacleanfuels.org, or call LCF at 225-342-7972.
Louisiana Clean Fuels
Louisiana Clean Fuels is a US Department of Energy designated Clean Cities Coalition, supported by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and member organizations. The mission of LCF is to advance the nation’s environmental, economic, and energy security by supporting local actions to diversify transportation fuel options. More information is available at www.louisianacleanfuels.org.