SkillFusion will provide workers within the Detroit Elevate network with comprehensive skills and certification for the maintenance and repair of EV chargers through the Detroit Clean Energy Contractor Accelerator program, funded by the GM Climate Equity Fund.
August 22, 2024 — Detroit, MI — SkillFusion, an industry-first software platform for electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) operations and maintenance (O&M) providers, has announced a partnership with Elevate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring access and readiness for opportunities in the clean energy sector. This partnership will provide access to SkillFusion’s EVSE Diagnostic Technician (EDT) certification program to ready organizations and entrepreneurs in Detroit for endless opportunities servicing and maintaining electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Elevate is a nonprofit organization that seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities — prioritizing frontline communities.
Individuals will have access to SkillFusion’s first-of-its-kind skill enhancement and certification. The program provides electricians and non-electricians with the needed skills and certifications to carry out specific technical work on EV chargers, such as servicing communication and networking systems.
“We are proud to be doing this work with Elevate to unlock endless career opportunities in the growing electrification industry,” said Elaina Farnsworth, co-founder and CEO of SkillFusion. “Together we are ensuring access to high-skilled, in-demand jobs driving the future of clean transportation in the U.S.”
The Chicago-based Elevate is working to help remove the barriers that prevent developing and diverse contractors from entering the clean energy economy in cities across the U.S., including Chicago and Peoria, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; Kansas City, Missouri; Dane County, Wisconsin; and Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit initiative provides access to training, resources, and jobs ensuring a high-caliber clean energy workforce through the Detroit Clean Energy Contractor Accelerator Program, administrated by Elevate and funded by the General Motors Climate Equity Fund.
“We are beyond thrilled to partner with SkillFusion to implement a significant and impactful program that will empower disinvested communities across Detroit to be a part of the clean energy field,” said Elevate CEO, Dr. Anne Evens. “Through this program, we are committed to providing individuals with the skill sets and resources they need in order to thrive with good, clean jobs and take a step toward a more sustainable and equitable future.”
SkillFusion’s skill enhancement programs will help individuals develop a valuable skill set, earn an industry-certified credential, and enhance their professional credibility and work readiness. Once earning their EDT certification, individuals are placed within SkillFusion’s proprietary database of certified technicians which allows EVSE operations and maintenance providers the ability to access a skilled labor pool to fulfill service obligations—ensuring charger uptime and availability across the nation’s network.
“As a second-generation builder and owner of McBride Management LLC, I’m thrilled to be part of the workforce development partnership between Elevate and Skillfusion. This collaboration is a game-changer, equipping me with cutting-edge technical knowledge while addressing critical industry gaps. The accelerated learning curve means I can deploy advanced skills in the field faster than ever before. What truly excites me is the massive expansion in the clean energy sector. This partnership provides a real competitive advantage, allowing me to capture a solid market position. I’m grateful for this opportunity to lead in building a greener future,” said Stephan McBride, a Cohort member of the Detroit Clean Energy Contractor Accelerator.
Individuals interested in obtaining EDT certification through SkillFusion and Elevate can reach out to Crystal Bernard at Crystal.Bernard@elevatenp.org.
For more information about Elevate and its commitment to workplace excellence, please visit elevatenp.org.
Elevate is a nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate designs and implements programs to ensure that everyone has clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities —no matter who they are or where they live.
About SkillFusion SkillFusion is a first-of-its-kind approach to provide electric vehicle operations and maintenance (O&M) service providers with access to a nationwide credentialed talent pool for electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) O&M obligations. Through the company’s cross-sector training platform, SkillFusion is developing the largest talent pipeline of certified electrician and non-electrician workers available to EVSE O&M service providers with the mission to minimize charging infrastructure downtime and increase the reliability of the charging network. The platform will increase the availability of certified EVSE workers ensuring that service providers have immediate access to the right trained service technician for every job, every single time. To learn more about SkillFusion, visit www.SkillFusion.com.
