Minnesota’s transportation and energy industries are becoming more connected with every advancement. Saint Paul College is preparing students to join that workforce and adapt to industry evolution. In the Fall of 2026, the Automotive Services Department added a certification in hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Automotive Services Technology Instructor Jake Yernberg shared details about the new program at the Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit as part of a panel of statewide education leaders.

Preparing Students for an Evolving Industry

As discussions throughout the summit focused on the future of energy, one message was clear — transportation and energy are becoming increasingly interconnected.

During the panel, Yernberg shared how electric vehicles are no longer simply vehicles. They are part of a broader ecosystem that includes power generation, battery storage, grid modernization, and energy management. As these industries continue to converge, technicians entering the workforce need skills that extend beyond traditional automotive systems.

Industry conversations, such as those at the Energy Innovation Summit, have directly influenced and will continue to influence college programs and curriculum development, including the Automotive Services Technician Program at Saint Paul College. The Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology Program emerged from a need to align students’ skills with workforce demands.

The Value of Collaboration

Reflecting on the experience, Yernberg said serving on the panel was one of the highlights of the summit.

Despite representing institutions in different regions of the state, we discovered that we are tackling many of the same challenges and opportunities in workforce development, electrification, and emerging technologies. The conversation reinforced the value of collaboration and showed how sharing ideas, resources, and industry partnerships can help us prepare students more effectively for Minnesota’s evolving energy and transportation sectors.

The discussion highlighted the important role collaboration plays in preparing students for emerging careers while ensuring educational programs remain aligned with industry needs.

Supporting the Next Generation of Technicians

Connections between education and industry are already creating opportunities for Saint Paul College students. With generous support from 3M, students enrolling in the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology program for Spring 2027 can earn $2,000 scholarships.

As Minnesota’s energy and transportation sectors continue to evolve, partnerships like these help ensure students have the training, resources, and support needed to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.