On June 12, Drive Clean Colorado welcomed state agency leaders, workforce educators, industry partners, vehicle technicians, charging professionals, first responders and other professionals to the EV Workforce Symposium at CDOT Headquarters in Denver.
As transportation technologies and needs change, workforce readiness is essential to ensuring that communities and professionals have access to the training and resources they need. More than 50 attendees came together to share perspectives, build connections, and discuss opportunities for strengthening EV workforce development across the state.
The day started with opening remarks from Drive Clean Colorado’s Jake Bergen, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Bonnie Trowbridge. Megan Christensen of the Colorado Energy Office, Matt Globe of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Mike King of the Colorado Department of Transportation shared their insights and perspectives on the state of the industry.
Megan, from the Colorado Energy Office, started off the conversation with an insightful overview and key takeaways from the Climate Workforce Analysis and Action Plan. The panel was followed by a question-and-answer session from attendees.
When asked to describe the current state of Colorado’s EV workforce, Mike King of the Colorado Department of Transportation emphasized the opportunities ahead.
“There is potential for Colorado to be a leader in this space,” King said. “It is unwritten… If we don’t create a system that gives more people access and opportunity, then we can get it wrong. Hopefully, through things like this, we’ll be able to get on the right path.”
His comments reflected on one of the events’ central themes, ensuring that Colorado’s growing clean transportation industry is supported by an accessible, well-prepared workforce.
Following the panel, attendees broke into focused discussion groups centered on three key workforce areas: first responders, charging & infrastructure, and vehicle technicians. These conversations provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, identify opportunities, and learn from one another’s experiences.
One of the most valuable aspects of the symposium was bringing together professionals from different sectors who are all helping shape Colorado’s transportation workforce. From educators preparing the next generation of workers to technicians, infrastructure professionals, and emergency responders adapting to new technologies, attendees contributed valuable perspectives that will help shape future workforce efforts across the state.
As the symposium concluded, discussion leaders shared key themes and takeaways from their groups, highlighting opportunities for continued collaboration and future action. While the event marked an important milestone, it also reinforced that workforce development is an ongoing conversation that requires continued partnership across industries and communities.
Drive Clean Colorado is committed to supporting these conversations and creating opportunities for collaboration. Attendees and partners can keep an eye out for announcements about future webinars, meetings, and continued engagement throughout the year, including the Drive Clean
Colorado Summit this October. Curious about what was discussed, or wanting to learn how to get involved? Reach out to our team.
Drive Clean Colorado would like to thank our sponsor Xcel Energy, CDOT for hosting, our panelists, partners, and all the professionals, educators, and community members who participated in this year’s EV Workforce Symposium. Your expertise, engagement, and commitment to preparing Colorado’s workforce for the future of transportation helped make this event a success.