Tesla START is a 12-week capstone created to specifically teach interested students the technical expertise and knowledge they need to work as an EV technician. Students enrolled in the program will learn their way in and out of a Tesla vehicle. Tesla START will cover the following areas of study:
- HVAC
- Brakes, chassis systems, and their components
- Electrical/charging
- HV powertrains
- Driver-assist systems
- Infotainment systems and their components.
Credit: Tesla START
According to Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Tesla START curriculum, in terms of Tesla vehicles, the training program covers the following topics, among others:
- Regenerative braking
- Inverter power transfer
- Battery technologies and battery management systems
- High-Voltage Bus & Charging
- Pack Connector and Penthouse controls
- Autonomous Technology.
Tesla START’s teaching methods seem to be as modern as the company that created it. Students will develop their EV maintenance skills through a combination of in-class theory and hands-on lab work in a classroom that supports self-paced learning.
After the 12-week program, Tesla START graduates receive a certificate, which automatically qualifies them to work as a technician in any Tesla Service Center in North America. Tesla START graduates can apply for employment as a Level I, Level II, or Level III technician as well as a Mobile Service Technician, otherwise known as a Field Service Technician at Tesla.
Credit: Tesla START
Tesla START is a program that is in line with the company’s life mission to create a sustainable car industry with its electric vehicles. Through this curriculum, Tesla is preparing automotive technicians for the future. Tesla START reveals that the all-electric car maker is willing to take further actions to reach its goal by creating a foundation for EVs through education.
Dr. Rolando Montoya, the interim president of MDC, talked about Tesla START and its significant effect on the future of automotive technician students. “With the opening of the new training center, students will be able to compete for opportunities in the growing field of electric vehicle service technicians. The College continues to provide our students with cutting-edge technology training programs in preparation for today’s competitive global workplace,” said Dr. Rolando Montoya.
Miami Dade College just celebrated the first batch of Tesla START graduates. MDC West Campus President Dr. Beverly Moore-Garcia talked about the college's dedication to its students and their future in the EV car Industry.
Credit: Tesla START
"Our new Electric Vehicle Service (EVS) Center will allow students in the Southeast United States to train as electric vehicle technicians in our state-of-the-art facility. Miami Dade College is committed to establishing industry partnerships such as the one with Tesla to provide students with industry skills and certifications which lead to in-demand careers,” said Dr. Moore-Garcia.
Anyone interested in Tesla START can enroll in the following partner schools:
- Rio Hondo College in Los Angeles, California
- Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, California
- Shoreline Community College in Seattle, Washington
- Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Suffolk County Community College in Selden New York
- Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida
Tesla START, and the comments by Dr. Montoya and Dr. Moore-Garcia about the program reveals that the car industry is changing. Now, there is a need to teach others how to live with electric vehicles, starting with the technicians that will take care of them after they roll off the delivery center.
Featured Image Credit: Tesla START
