Driven by Innovation
College expands automotive training with $180,000 EV investment and N.C. A&T partnership
Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology Program is accelerating into the future of transportation through a $180,000 STEPS4GROWTH Grant investment and a new partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) to expand electric vehicle (EV) training capacity.
President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said the investment reflects RCC’s continued commitment to workforce innovation and student success.
“Through our partnership with N.C. A&T University and the STEPS4GROWTH investment, Randolph Community College continues to demonstrate how, at RCC, Access leads to Success,” Ardalan said. “By expanding access to hands-on electric and hybrid vehicle training, we are equipping students to lead in an evolving automotive industry, strengthening workforce pathways, and supporting North Carolina’s transition toward advanced transportation technologies.”
The STEPS4GROWTH funding supports the purchase of advanced equipment and strengthens EV instructional capabilities at RCC’s automotive training facility, positioning the College to meet the rapidly growing workforce demand in electric and hybrid vehicle technology.
As part of this expansion, RCC has added new electric and hybrid vehicles to its training fleet, including a Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck representing the cutting edge of today’s automotive industry, and a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing students hands-on experience with hybrid-electric powertrain systems.
These additions allow students to gain direct experience with modern EV architecture, high-voltage safety procedures, regenerative braking systems, and advanced diagnostic technologies that are increasingly standard in today’s service bays.
“This is a major step forward for our students and our community,” Automotive Systems Technology Department Head Don Ashley said. “With the industry shifting rapidly toward electrification and advanced vehicle systems, it is critical that our graduates are prepared with real-world experience on the same technologies they will encounter in the workforce.”
In addition to the Rivian and RAV4, the program’s training fleet includes a Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, Ford F-250, and Toyota Prius, ensuring students gain exposure to a wide range of drivetrain and emissions technologies.
Grant funding also supported the purchase of advanced diagnostic equipment, including the Hioki RM 3548-50 Resistance Meter, a professional-grade tool that enhances instruction in precise electrical testing and high-voltage component evaluation.
All new resources will be housed and utilized at the Richard Petty Education Center, where students train in state-of-the-art lab environments designed to meet the demands of today’s automotive service industry.
Instruction for the College’s Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology and Automotive Systems Technology programs takes place at the Center. Students can earn an associate in applied science degree, diploma, or certificate in either field, as well as specialized certificates in Diagnostics, Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology, HVAC, Powertrain, Undercar, and Light-Duty Diesel Technology. Some certificate pathways can be completed in as little as two semesters, with tuition estimated as low as $1,145, providing an affordable and accelerated route into high-demand automotive careers.
The EV training expansion is supported through STEPS4GROWTH, a clean energy workforce initiative led by N.C. A&T University. The initiative strengthens regional workforce capacity by building clear pathways into emerging clean energy and advanced transportation careers. Through industry-aligned training and strategic partnerships, STEPS4GROWTH helps ensure students gain the skills needed for competitive, family-sustaining careers in a rapidly evolving economy.
For more information about Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology programs or the EV training supported by the STEPS4GROWTH Grant, contact Ashley at jdashley@randolph.edu or (336) 633-0470.
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About Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology Program: Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology Program prepares students for high-demand careers in the automotive service industry through hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum, and instruction from experienced professionals. Students gain experience with traditional internal combustion engines as well as hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced diagnostics, emissions technology, and high-voltage safety procedures. Training takes place in modern lab environments at the Richard Petty Education Center, where students work with up-to-date vehicles and professional-grade equipment. Graduates are equipped with the technical skills, certifications, and real-world experience needed to succeed in dealerships, independent repair facilities, fleet operations, and advanced manufacturing settings across North Carolina and beyond.
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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.
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About North Carolina A&T State University: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. An exponential university, A&T is recognized widely for its national leadership in graduating African American students in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 as only the second land-grant college created under the second Morrill Act and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.
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About STEPS4GROWTH: STEPS4GROWTH is North Carolina’s first statewide clean energy workforce initiative, led by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and supported by a $23.7 million investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The program connects individuals—especially those in underserved communities—to free training, industry certifications, paid apprenticeships, and job placement in renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and grid modernization. STEPS4GROWTH partners with employers, community colleges, workforce boards, and nonprofits to build a diverse, job-ready talent pipeline and power the state’s clean energy transition.