Randolph CC expands automotive training

Don Ashley, head of the Automotive Systems Technology Department at Randolph Community College, instructs students, from left to right, Dallas Harrelson, J.T. Schwartz, and Kashif Khan about the Rivian R1. (Randolph Community College photo)

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology program has a new partnership with North Carolina A&T.

A grant for $180,000 is intended to expand electric vehicle training, the community college announced.

“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,” RCC president Shah Ardalan said in a statement.

The Steps4Growth grant is funding the purchase of advanced equipment.

RCC announced that as part of the expansion it has added new electric and hybrid vehicles to its training fleet, including a Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck, 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.

“It is critical that our graduates are prepared with real-world experience on the same technologies they will encounter in the workforce,” said Don Ashley, head of RCC’s Automotive Systems Technology Department.

There also have been purchases of advanced diagnostic equipment. The new resources will be housed and utilized at the Richard Petty Education Center.

Students can earn an associate in applied science degree as well as specialized certificates in Diagnostics, Electric Vehicle Technology, HVAC, Powertrain, Undercar, and Light-Duty Diesel Technology.