Contra Costa Transportation Authority and Local Motors announced Feb. 5 the launch of a high-school training program for maintenance and repair of electric autonomous vehicles (AVs). Local Motors—the creator of the world’s first 3D-printed car and the maker behind Olli, a low-speed, electric, AV—announced it will donate one of its Olli shuttles to Pittsburg High School’s new advanced auto shop program. Local Motors technical experts will periodically mentor Pittsburg High School auto shop instructors and students. Local Motors’ donation of Olli and associated resources is valued at over $300,000.
Pittsburg High School’s advanced auto shop program is expected to begin in the fall of 2020 as part of a state K12 Strong Workforce Program grant aimed at engaging youth in technical education, sparking interest in the transportation industry and exposing them to autonomous and electric vehicle maintenance and repair.