AMPS Training Program: Building the EV Workforce

About the Program

Aha Macav Power Service (AMPS) is a tribally owned electric utility incorporated in July 1991, serving the Fort Mojave Reservation across Arizona, California, and Nevada. As one of the few tribally owned utilities in the tri-state region, AMPS is uniquely positioned to build a local clean energy workforce that reflects and serves its community.

In November 2024, AMPS received a grant of $477,300 from the California Energy Commission under grant GFO-23-607 — the CEC Tribal Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, Planning, and Workforce Training and Development program. The grant funds two activities: EV infrastructure planning for tribal lands and a structured community workforce training program.

Program Structure

The EVMojave training program is designed as a structured pathway from introductory awareness to professional certification:

• 4 Community Seminars (free, 2–3 hours each): Introductory sessions covering EV basics, home charging, fleet electrification, and available incentives. Open to all tribal members and community residents.
• 3 Online Courses (free, self-paced): In-depth courses covering EV charging site planning and business models, EV fleet driver operations, and the full spectrum of EV and alternative vehicle types. Designed for tribal members pursuing careers in the clean energy sector.
• EVITP Certification Pathway: The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification is the industry standard for EV charging station installers. AMPS's online curriculum is designed to prepare participants for the EVITP exam ($275, 20 hours online, 70% passing score required). Contact AMPS for information about exam fee assistance for tribal members.

Regional Workforce Demand

The EV workforce need in the tri-state region is real and growing. Electrician employment in Nevada is projected to grow 31.6% from 2018 to 2028 — far above average for all occupations. Arizona projects an 18% increase over the same period.

More than $17 billion in EV battery manufacturing investments have been announced in Arizona and Nevada, creating sustained demand for trained EV technicians and installers. NEVI formula funds are bringing new fast charging infrastructure to the region, and federal requirements mandate that publicly funded EV projects use EVITP-certified installers for NEVI-funded stations.

AMPS project coordinators are developing curriculum materials that reflect the specific context of the Fort Mojave community: the desert climate, the tri-state geography, BIA trust land permitting, and the career opportunities available in the immediate region.

Have questions about training programs? Contact AMPS at training@ahamacav.com.