BEND, OR -- A Tesla Roadster is now orbiting the earth, and soon, we could be spotting more of the high-end electric vehicles around Bend. Ken Mays, with Central Oregon Community College’s automotive program, says the school just received approval last week, to develop a Tesla training program for technicians. "It’s a program called 'Tesla Start.' It partnerships with community colleges who have current electric/hybrid training," Mays tells KBND News.
The auto-maker has developed similar programs with other schools, but this is the first in our area. "They have a tremendous program for, not only the training, but their employees are treated very well. We’re excited about that," says Mays. He expects it’ll open up job opportunities for students who complete the certification process, "It is a guaranteed career; you will move quickly because they are developing service centers throughout the nation very rapidly."
Mays believes Tesla could eventually open a service center in the High Desert, "California has a huge number of service centers. Oregon so far has one in Portland, and that’s going to change." The COCC training program could be open by 2019.
Click HERE to listen to our full conversation with COCC's Ken Mays, or visit our Podcast Page.
