Philadelphia has received a $1.47 million federal grant from the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. This grant, supported by the Vehicle Technologies Office, will fund a workforce development pilot program called ‘Plug In Philly’. The program aims to train 45 Philadelphians for jobs in the electric vehicle supplies and equipment (EVSE) industry. This funding is part of a larger $46.5 million allocation from the Joint Office for projects improving electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Mayor L. Cherelle Parker commended the initiative, highlighting its potential to offer job opportunities to underserved residents. ‘Plug In Philly’ will provide training in the electric vehicle industry and connect participants with local unions involved in infrastructure development.
The program will offer training and employment opportunities in EVSE installation and maintenance. It aims to diversify the workforce needed for a regional electric vehicle charging station network. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) stated that the federal funding will support the electric vehicle workforce and provide union job training.