The transportation sector is a cornerstone of our economy. It is also a sector that is seeing a significant amount of change as governments and industries alike share a commitment to reduce carbon emissions generated by all forms of automobiles including personal use vehicles, commercial transport vehicles, farm equipment and more.
Operating from the Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies at the corner of Oxford Street and Baransway Drive in London, Fanshawe’s School of Transportation Technology and Apprenticeship is just a stone's throw from the College's flagship campus. Students learn in a hands-on environment with the same tools and technology they will use in their careers.
As a leader in transportation education, Fanshawe is building new programs and enhancing learning spaces to ensure students graduate with the skills they need to meet the demands of employers, build our economy and help meet crucial targets to make our world cleaner and safer for generations to come.
Meeting the future needs of the transportation industry
The transportation sector is facing significant changes, and students who will soon join the workforce must be trained to meet evolving, complex challenges.
The Government of Canada has implemented the 2030 Emissions Reduction Roadmap. This is a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to “40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.” The federal government is planning significant investments in the transportation industry to ensure these targets are met. A key focus is on increasing usage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), meaning the manufacturing sector must be prepared to produce the number of vehicles required to meet the coming demand. There will also be a need for professionals with the knowledge to maintain and repair hydrogen-powered, hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
Keeping our competitive edge
Fanshawe is a leader in new program development that meets the current and future needs of employers. The College also excels in sustainability, not only taking steps to reduce the impact our buildings have on the environment, but also ensuring program curriculum is updated to include a focus on sustainability.
To meet the transportation industry’s needs, Fanshawe will launch the new Green Vehicle Technology diploma program in fall 2024 with the first cohort graduating in 2026. As the program launches, it is anticipated 40 students will enrol each fall. This innovative two-year program will focus on literacy, numeracy and technical skill development. The program will cover all aspects of operating, owning and maintaining green vehicles, including hydrogen, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) training will also be included with adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, lane keep assist, autonomous obstacle avoidance (collision mitigation), autonomous parking, and fully autonomous. Graduates of this program will be in demand across the country in automotive; truck and coach; power lift truck repair; dealerships; chain repair; and advanced manufacturing.
New Green Technology Lab
To ensure students are learning in a best-in-class space with the most up-to-date equipment, the College plans to build the Green Vehicle Lab; an 1,800 square-foot space at the south-west corner of the existing Automotive Lab at the Centre for Applied Transportation Technology.
The layout will encompass all of the infrastructure needed to accommodate two hoist areas and two electric charging stations. A hydrogen tank will be installed for hydrogen technology.
This lab resource will also enhance green vehicle learning opportunities with apprenticeships in Truck and Coach, Agricultural Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician and Power Lift Truck Technician.
Equipment
This space will be equipped with the latest green technology where students will gain important hands-on experience with the green software and innovations. The lab will include hydrogen connections and technology, cutaway vehicles to illustrate drive assembly including hydrogen, plug-in hybrid and battery electric charging units, all current advanced driver assistance systems, diagnostic equipment and advanced green vehicle components. Construction will begin in summer 2023.
How you can help
Fanshawe’s Green Vehicle Technology program will mark an exciting step in the evolution of transportation education. The accompanying lab space will ensure students experience the high-quality experiential learning Fanshawe is known for, preparing them to enter the workforce ready to excel in this growing industry.
We invite you to support the new Green Vehicle Technology program and Lab equipped with innovative teaching tools. Donor support opportunities are available with meaningful recognition.
To inspire the next generation of tradespeople to pursue their post-secondary education at Fanshawe, there is an opportunity to create a family of student awards (scholarships and bursaries) that are STEM-related within the School of Transportation Technology and Apprenticeship. The implementation of the Green Vehicle Technology program, and the Green Vehicle Lab, will play a key role in growing Southwestern Ontario as a transportation and advanced manufacturing technology hub. It will help grow our economy and the benefits will be felt across our region and beyond.
For more information about how you can get involved, please contact us at advancement@fanshawec.ca.