ACTC launches new hybrid and electric vehicle certificate courses

Published on Oct 21, 2025

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) will be offering new courses in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (HEV/EV) technology beginning in January 2026, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-growing area of the automotive industry. 

The Hybrid and Electric Vehicle certificate includes AUT 275 (HEV/EV Lecture) and AUT 276 (HEV/EV Lab). The program begins with a focus on safety procedures around high-voltage systems, an essential skill set for both technicians and first responders. 

Students will explore the operation, service, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of hybrid and electric vehicle systems, as well as the proper methods for disabling high-voltage circuits. The courses will also examine the pros and cons of hybrid and electric vehicles, providing a comprehensive understanding of this evolving technology. 

“This will be an amazing opportunity for students entering the heavy-duty vehicle/equipment industry,” said Shannon McCarty, ACTC Diesel Technology program coordinator. “High voltage systems are being implemented in the trucking, automotive, bus, and heavy equipment industries with a limited number of technicians trained to work on them. This would also be beneficial for first responders as they come in contact with high voltage vehicles.” 

Lecture classes will meet Monday through Wednesday from 1:40 to 3 p.m., and lab sessions will be held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1:40 to 3:30 p.m. The course will run for the full semester. All instruction will take place at the new Transportation Training Center on the Technology Drive Campus. 

Students enrolling in the certificate will also need to complete automotive-related coursework that is part of ACTC’s Automotive Technology program. Some requirements overlap with the Diesel Technology courses, and course substitutions may be available for students in the heavy-duty track. 

For more information about enrolling in the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle certificate program, contact McCarty at Shannon.McCarty@kctcs.edu or 606-326-2473.