About this Event
Drive Clean Colorado is convening the EV Workforce Symposium on June 12, 2026 at CDOT HQ in Denver.
Colorado is a leader in EV adoption, and this event brings together the training providers, employers, state agencies, and students who are building the workforce to support it.
It's a working day — attendees leave with contacts, a clear picture of available training and funding, and concrete next steps.
Sponsored by Xcel Energy.
The event is free but you must be registered to attend.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: Emcee: Bonnie Trowbridge, Drive Clea
Info: Setting the stage for a day of action.
Colorado leads in EV adoption – a distinction carrying heavy responsibility. Symposium attendees - state agency leaders, workforce educators, industry partners, and student – gathered to make sure the workforce is ready with appropriate, accessible, and leading-edge training programs.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel: The Workforce Behind the Wheel
Info: Moderated by Bonnie Trowbridge
Panelists:
Mike Salisbury — Colorado Energy Office (invited)
Michael King — Colorado Dept. of Transportation
Matt Goble — Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment
Three state agencies, one shared mission. After a brief overview of the Colorado Climate Workforce Analysis & Plan each panelist will speak to what their agency is investing in, what funding and programs are available now, and what they need from the workforce community to make it work.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from the people driving state EV policy all in one room. Funding announcements will be made. Come with questions.
ed by Bonnie Trowbridge
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Breakout Round 1: Current State of Affairs
Host: Participants self-select into one of three tracks
Info: Join a breakout group for a working conversation among your peers doing the work.
Auto Tech: Who is training EV technicians in Colorado today? What certifications exist, and where are the real capacity gaps?
Charging & Electrical: What does EVSE installation and maintenance actually require? How are contractors, utilities, and apprenticeship programs adapting?
First Responders: How prepared are Colorado departments right now? What does solid EV safety training look like, and who is delivering it?
Come ready to share what you are seeing on the ground.
45 minutes | Tracks reconvene at 11:45 AM
Track Leaders:
Automotive Technicians: A.J. Samora
EV diagnostics, repair & maintenance workforce needs
Infrastructure/Chargers: Desiree Moore
Installation, inspection & maintenance of EV supply equipment
First Responders: Steve Trowbridge
Emergency response protocols, battery safety & incident management
🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Host: Students welcome and encouraged to attend
Info: A great opportunity for cross-sector connections between industry, educators, agency partners, and the next generation of EV workforce professionals.
75 minutes
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Breakout Round 2: Needs and Next Steps
Host: Tracks reconvene in same groups
Info: What does this sector need to close the gap?
Funding, curriculum, partnerships, credentialing?
45 minutes
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:30 PM
Breakout Round 3: Priorities and Action Planning
Host: Tracks continue — building toward report-out
Info: Identify 2-3 concrete and actionable priorities your group will bring back to the full room.
Who needs to be at the table? What is the timeline? What does DCC need to do to support you?
Assign a spokesperson for report-out.
45 minutes
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Full Group Report-Out
Host: All tracks, all together
Info: Each track shares top priorities and action items.
DCC will capture commitments and follow up in writing.
The goal: everyone leaves knowing what happens next and who is responsible for making it happen.
30 minutes
🕑: 03:00 PM
Adjourn
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Colorado Department of Transportation Headquarters, 2829 West Howard Place, Denver, United States
USD 0.00
