Training Resources for Electric School Bus Operations & Maintenance
School bus workers deserve an equitable, just transition to electric school buses – and that includes robust training. Explore resources for school bus technicians, drivers and related roles.
The shift to electric school buses is an opportunity to bring new and existing school bus workers into the clean transportation economy. Through training and equitable workforce development, communities traditionally excluded in high-paying jobs with family-sustaining wages can benefit from this transition. Community colleges and technical schools, including historically Black colleges and universities, can play important roles to ensure knowledge transfer and a pipeline of incoming talent.
High-quality training on electric school bus operations, safety protocols and maintenance allows workers to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently adopt electric vehicle technology and grow their careers. Training programs must prioritize including workers with disabilities, differing learning needs, and historically marginalized groups with diverse representation.
Additional External Resources:
Note: In addition to the resources and programs linked below, we recommend inquiring with manufacturers and dealers about available training.
Resource Hubs
- EPA Clean School Bus Program: Workforce Development & Training Resources
- Joint Office of Energy & Transportation: Workforce Development Resources
Planning Resources
- Workforce Planning Recommendations | EPA Clean School Bus Program
A four-step guide on how to prepare and empower your workforce for the electric school bus transition - Driver & Technician Training Overview | DOE Clean Cities & Communities
A 10-minute module covering four basic levels of training and who to involve - Guide #10: Workforce Training & Development | NYSERDA
Covers workforce development needs and strategies to ensure districts are prepared - Tools for Building an Equitable Infrastructure Workforce | US DOL
A toolkit with strategies, resources, and examples
Training For All Fleet Staff
- Electric School Bus Pre-Training Course | Workforce Development Institute
No-cost, two-hour, baseline training for all pupil transportation workers, designed to be completed before workers receive product-specific training
Training for Drivers
- Electric School Bus Training Connections | Virginia Clean Cities
Four short videos on driving best practices, cold weather, and charging basics - Note: Inquire with your manufacturer and local dealer about in-person driver training.
Training for Maintenance Technicians
- ESB Training Series | U.S. Joint Office of Energy & Transportation
Free, four-part video series with testing materials covering bus technology basics, high voltage safety, and charging systems - Battery Electric Bus Familiarization | Transit Training Network
Free three-part training series with testing materials covering electric transit buses, high voltage safety, and charging approaches
First & Second Responders
- EV Safety Training Resources for First & Second Responders | Alternative Fuels Data Center
An extensive list of training programs for fire, EMS, towing, salvage and more - Article: 5 Tips for Electric School Bus Training With First Responders
Relevant Organizations
- Uniquely Abled Project (Uniquely-Abled talent)
- More Than Our Worst (Justice-Impacted talent)
- Vehicles for Change: Full Circle Automotive Program
- National Fund for Workforce Solutions