Siemens Foundation launches $30-million program to develop EV charging workforce

Siemens Foundation recently announced a $30 million, 10-year initiative to drive an inclusive workforce for the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector. The program, EVeryone Charging Forward, was created in response to the significant demand for skilled workers in the industry.

Learn more about Siemens’ EVeryone Charging Forward initiative here.

With this workforce development initiative, Siemens Foundation seeks to ensure and scale equitable access to jobs for individuals from all backgrounds and meaningfully contribute to the decarbonization and strengthening of the U.S. economy.

To support these goals, the Siemens Foundation is collaborating with the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices (NGA) and the National League of Cities Institute (NLC) to build a central hub of best practices in developing a more inclusive EV charging workforce.

Together with NLC and NGA, the Siemens Foundation is partnering with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) to create accessible pathways for individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities toward well-paying, technical and engineering careers in the EV charging sector — particularly in assembly, installation, and maintenance.

Based on research and input from leading stakeholders, the Siemens Foundation identified the Midwest and Southeast as markets of concentrated private and public sector EV investments. Focusing on Michigan and North Carolina first, EVeryone Charging Forward partners will leverage these investments to enable hundreds of individuals across both states to access EV charging job opportunities.

“The $1.5 trillion investment in infrastructure from the Biden Administration presents an unprecedented opportunity for the United States to reclaim and maintain a leadership role in manufacturing while growing the clean energy economy. But, to accomplish these goals we must attract, train and retain an inclusive workforce like never before,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of Siemens Foundation. “The EVeryone Charging Forward™ initiative aligns with our priorities and expertise, and so we’re excited to be working with our partners to accomplish our shared goals.”

A Princeton University study estimates that somewhere between 777,000 and 5.1 million new energy-related jobs could be created in the United States by 2030. While much can be done through technology, there’s a need for people on the ground across the country to install and maintain EV chargers.

“There is an incredible need for teams with a combination of skillsets in the EV charging space,” said Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA and Chair of the Board of Siemens Foundation. “Not only that, but these jobs also connect people to the important work of advancing our sustainable future. That’s what makes this initiative so impactful. As we electrify our infrastructure, we’re also working to build a more equitable workforce, expanding the opportunities available for people to pursue well-paying, purpose-driven careers.”