Bridging the ZEV Training Gap in California
In the first half of 2024, combines sales of BEVs, PHEVs, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles in the Golden State accounted for 38 percent of the market share, as reported by CNCDA.
Now CNCDA Foundation is heading Back to School with eight Automotive Technology Career Days scheduled across the state to introduce the next generation to ZEV vehicles.
Unlike other career fairs where students pass by tables and collect unwanted brochures or souvenir swag, CNCDA Foundation’s events are high-energy and interactive, where professionals from across the automotive industry personally invite the next generation to learn in a hands-on environment about the latest technologies being implemented.
Local community colleges, dealers, OEMs, and Metro dealer associations partner with CNCDA Foundation, giving young people the opportunity to immediately hear about the next steps on this path to a thriving automotive industry career - and in their own backyard.
With the growing EV entries into the market, California is ready to lead the way in upskilling auto technicians. And this doesn’t even touch upon the growing number of manufacturers of hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles such as General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Volvo, and more.
Seeing how the depth of ZEV technology is manufacturer-specific, one of our industry’s most pressing needs is to welcome more partners to support local high schools and community colleges in order to ensure qualified entry-level candidates to address the technician shortage statewide. Our current partners include BMW, Ford and Kia but we need a wider reach amongst manufacturers to provide comprehensive training for the next generation in auto tech.
San Diego is leading the way in this effort by bringing together industry experts and automotive teachers to demystify ZEVs educational needs. This year, under the leadership of Greg Quirin (a CNCDA Foundation Workforce Development Advisory Board member) and Omar Sevilla, the San Diego Automotive Educators Conference was hosted for Southern California instructors and school counselors to better understand where zero and near-zero emissions vehicle education is heading.
Charged Up 2024 – was a historic day where 150 automotive industry professionals and educators exchanged knowledge, received hands-on training, and discussed the latest advancements in EV technology. With plans to expand the 2025 event, check back in future Accelerator newsletters as we follow this topic.
To learn more about ZEV and how the Foundation can support your technician needs, please contact Kim McPhaul at kmcphaul@cncda.org
CNCDA Foundation Welcomes New Directors
We are pleased to announce the election of two new members to our Board of Directors.
Tim Corcoran has a wealth of experience in the automotive sector. He began his career as an automotive technician at a new car dealership in 1997 and progressed to lead a team of technicians. Tim joined the Bureau of Automotive Repair in 2000, where he held several roles, including Program Representative, Consumer Protection Operations specialist, and Deputy Bureau Chief. From 2014 to 2017, he served as the Chief of Occupational Licensing at the Department of Motor Vehicles, overseeing the licensing and regulatory oversight of twenty automotive industry-related programs. Since 2018, Tim has served as the Executive Director of the New Motor Vehicle Board, focusing on providing industry-leading automobile franchise dispute resolution services.
Tim Corcoran
Executive Director, New Motor Vehicle Board
Ujj Nath is the CEO and Chairman of myKaarma, a platform revolutionizing the Service Lane for automobile dealers and consumers. Leading myKaarma since its launch in January 2013, Ujj oversees Product Management, Finance, and Strategic Direction, while actively supporting sales and mentoring associates. With over 25 years in the automotive industry, Ujj founded Syncata in 1990 and sold it to ProQuest Business Solutions in 2004. He then served as Regional Vice President at Snap-On Business Solutions, managing global accounts and securing growth capital. He later earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert before co-founding Syncata. Arriving in the U.S. with $500, Ujj’s success epitomizes the American Dream. He is committed to mentoring young talent and giving back to the community, fostering the next generation of innovators.
Ujj nath
Founder & CEO myKaarma
