Pilot program will support Niagara’s EMS, Police and Fire professionals, automotive technicians and future professionals
A leader in environmentally sustainable automotive technology, Niagara College is launching an electric vehicle (EV) safety training program thanks to a $450,000 commitment from RBC Foundation.
With an increasing number of EV and hybrid vehicles on the road, the EV First Responders Training pilot program answers a critical need to equip emergency professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to safely manage EV-related situations.
Delivered through NC’s Green Automotive Technology Lab, the innovative program will provide hands-on, scenario-based training to paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, along with automotive technicians and students in related NC programs (Paramedic, Police Foundations, Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship, Motive Power Technician – Automotive (Co-op) and Motive Power Techniques – Automotive).
Up to 800 participants are expected to complete the training in the first year, with 2,400 anticipated over the three-year pilot period.
“At Niagara College, we are proud to lead in training first responders for the unique challenges of electric and hybrid vehicles,” said Duane Bender, NC’s Dean of Media, Trades and Technology. “This program reflects our commitment to safety, innovation, and real-world skills development. As advanced automotive technology adoption grows, so does the need for specialized safety knowledge and Niagara College is delivering it through hands-on training that meets the needs of both industry and community.”
By integrating EV-focused curriculum into both workforce upskilling and postsecondary education, the program will also ensure current and future professionals possess in-demand, job-ready skills to build a workforce that supports Canada’s clean transportation goals and environmentally sustainable economy.
"With zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) sales being projected to rise 16.5 per cent annually, it's crucial for first responders and automotive technicians to be equipped with the necessary skills to work with these advanced technologies that pose potential hazards if mishandled," said Jaye Toulouse, Regional Vice President, Niagara Region, RBC. "This enhanced training being offered by Niagara College can help reduce the risks of injury, fatalities, and property damage and can help support public confidence in ZEV adoption and the broader net-zero economy."
NC’s EV First Responders Training program will offer participants essential skills in identifying high-voltage components, managing lithium-ion battery fires, immobilizing EVs, using PPE correctly, and applying emergency response protocols in high-risk EV scenarios. These specialized skills have been sought after by NC’s community partners across Niagara looking for support in training their teams in EV-readiness.
The Town of Pelham’s fire department participated in an early pilot of the program to help the College kick start the initiative.
“As Electric Vehicles (EV) become more common, being prepared is more important than ever as EV’s present unique challenges in emergency situations,” said Bob Lymburner, Town of Pelham Fire Chief. “The advanced training Pelham’s volunteer firefighters received through the pilot program has been a real game changer. It gave the volunteers the hands-on knowledge they need to handle EV-related emergencies safely and confidently.”
“Congratulations to the team at Niagara College for leading the way on this valuable program,” said Fire Chief Lymburner. “This training will continue to be a valuable asset to our teams and I’d absolutely recommend it to other departments and agencies to take part in.”
Thanks to RBC Foundation’s commitment, the training will be delivered at NC’s Welland Campus beginning fall 2025 at no cost to participants. Sessions will be capped at 20 participants to ensure personalized instruction with both hybrid and fully in-person formats available. Online registration at niagaracollege.ca will open closer to the fall.
RBC and RBC Foundation have been steadfast supporters of NC over the years, contributing to scholarships and bursaries, the annual NC Gala and Golf Classic, and program areas in hospitality and tourism, horticulture, food sciences and business. Between 2019 and 2021, RBC Foundation donated $150,000 towards the College’s Productivity Innovation Lab (PiLab), which enhanced experiential learning opportunities for business students, while helping small- and medium-sized enterprises increase productivity and innovation.
Through its latest $450,000 commitment, RBC Foundation will continue to make a positive impact at NC and within the Niagara community.
“We are grateful to RBC Foundation for its continued collaboration and for investing in the EV First Responders Program at Niagara College,” said Gord Arbeau, NC’s Vice President, Advancement. “This trailblazing initiative is providing access to vital training for our community partners and equipping students with in-demand skills in environmentally sustainable technology to kick start their future careers with a competitive edge.”
RBC Foundation’s commitment supports NC’s transformational Together campaign. The campaign is a multi-year $50 million fundraising initiative that, in addition to addressing shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, aims to make college education more accessible, create equitable and diverse learning environments, equip graduates with cultural awareness and global competencies, and foster research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.
For information about the Together campaign, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No. 1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.