California Air Resources Board

CARB collaborates with the California Energy Commission (CEC), California Workforce Development Board, Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and other partners, such as community colleges, charter schools, and non-profit organizations to address workforce gaps in priority populations and co-fund community-driven projects. To date, CARB has allocated a total of $5 million specifically to the following clean transportation workforce development and training projects. In addition to these projects, other efforts within CARB’s incentive portfolio such as the Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) and Clean Mobility Investments include workforce training and development components.  

1. Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible, and Local (IDEAL) Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Workforce Pilot Project - $1 million from CARB, implemented by the CEC through an Interagency Agreement. The CEC, with CARB collaboration, is implementing 13 community projects statewide (clean transportation curriculum, transit, and Cal-Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program). The objective of this effort is to broadly support zero-emission community training and infrastructure efforts, including pathways toward clean transportation jobs. Some projects will or have been completed in 2025. All projects will end by spring of 2026.  

2. Adult Education & Vocational School ZEV Technology Training Project - $2 million administered through CARB. This project supports California-based, accredited, non-profit adult education and vocational schools in developing new or strengthening existing workforce training and development programs and training curriculum for ZEV technologies that lead to job and career advancement for priority populations. The following two efforts were funded through this project:

   • The Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (EAROP) received over $1.4 million to develop and implement a workforce development training program applicable to light, medium, and heavy-duty ZEVs. Funding covers costs of developing and implementing a ZEV-focused curriculum, necessary hands-on training, equipment, instructional materials, outreach efforts, and staffing. The program provides underrepresented students with an innovative green workforce career pathway for technical skillsets on ZEVs, inclusive of hydrogen fuel-cell and battery electric vehicles, and its supporting infrastructure. This program was developed in partnership with AC Transit, the transit agency providing service to Alameda County and parts of Contra Costa County, helping prepare high school students for adult fellowship programs at major transportation agencies and companies. Additionally, this program will help build an interest in zero-emission technology at a high school age with a plan for long-term career development for students. EAROP’s student population has been identified as disproportionately disadvantaged community areas. Therefore, this program automatically serves and benefits low-income and disadvantaged communities, increases awareness of and access to ZEV-specific training, and enhances the current curriculums offered at EAROP. The project ends June 30, 2026. 

   • The Gateway Community Charters (GCC) project received $500,000 to increase the number of students participating annually in the Advanced Automotive Technologies pathway courses from 100 to 150. GCC has created an electric vehicle conversion program where students will convert classic vehicles into electric vehicles. The benefits and outcomes of this project include establishing a collaborative network of local community partners to develop clean energy training programs. Participants in this project include the Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and Power Inn Alliance. GCC will help to increase qualified applicants within the region to fill high-demand clean energy jobs, ensuring the green revolution is accessible to all demographic groups by providing training and access to high-wage, high-skill clean energy jobs for underrepresented populations. This project will raise awareness of job opportunities in the clean energy field. The project will end June 30, 2026; however, a Grant Agreement amendment is in process to extend to June 30, 2027. 

3. Expanded and Equitable Access to ZEV Training in Disadvantaged Communities - $2.032 million, administered by CARB through contract with the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC). This project supports investment in ZEV community college training programs. FCCC has selected six California Community College campuses to receive funding aimed at increasing the number of skilled individuals to enter the ZEV workforce. These awards are structured to support projects that align closely with CARB’s ZEV workforce objectives and designed to enhance ZEV-related education and workforce training programs, particularly in colleges serving disadvantaged communities. The six colleges have developed training curriculum, preparing a workforce capable of helping to meet California’s growing need for ZEV technology expertise, supporting the state’s transition to a zero-emission transportation system. The project will end April 2026. Selected colleges include:

   1. Merced College

   2. Cosumnes River College

   3. San Joaquin Delta College

   4. Ventura College

   5. Chaffey College

   6. Southwestern College 

Next Steps

Once projects have concluded, CARB staff will review data derived from the projects as well as evaluate the final outcomes. Current feedback is that projects are well received, and demand is high. CARB may consider conducting future solicitations.