Business

Electric Vehicle Industry Faces a Manpower Void as Colleges Race to Fill It

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2024

The electric vehicle (EV) industry has developed at an unforeseen rate since catching public attention in the late 2000s. In 2023 alone, new electric car registrations in the United States reached 1.4 million, a 40% increase compared to 2022.

This surge in demand is not limited to the U.S.; Europe and China also saw significant increases in EV sales, with Europe recording nearly 3.2 million new registrations in 2023. With the market showing little signs of slowing down, EV sales are projected to reach around 17 million globally in 2024. That represents a 20% increase from the previous year.

Multiple factors, including government incentives, advancements in battery technology, and a growing consumer preference for greener transportation options, contribute to such robust growth.

Despite the positive outlook, the industry nonetheless holds its fair share of issues. Supply chain disruptions, battery metal price fluctuations, and increasing competition create market volatility.

Additionally, the sheer speed with which electric vehicles have been adopted has revealed a critical challenge: the skills gap in the workforce needed to support this burgeoning industry. The rise in EV purchases has also led to the need for a specialized workforce capable of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining these advanced vehicles.

Addressing the Skills Gap

The transition to electric vehicles requires a workforce equipped with a rather hefty and technical toolbox of skills. According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, stakeholders must urgently address retraining efforts to avoid facing a shortfall of 35,700 qualified technicians by 2030. This skills gap risks the industry’s growth and the broader goal of achieving zero-emission transportation.

To bridge this gap, educational institutions are stepping up to provide specialized training programs. Nova Anglia College(NAC) in Brisbane, Australia, is among the first to do so. NAC offers a non-engineering Bachelor of Technology in Electric Vehicles, a unique program designed to provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in the EV sector. Unlike traditional engineering programs, NAC’s curriculum combines vocational training with engineering principles.

Harpreet Kaur, the founder and CEO of Nova Anglia College, says that being one of the country’s first EV colleges, “We specifically designed and accredited our program to match near-future manpower demands. We provide specializedqualifications to support the global zero-emission initiative better.“

Skills for Future EV Professionals

The skills required for a career in the electric vehicle industry are diverse. Future EV professionals must be proficient in battery management, electric powertrain systems, and autonomous vehicle technology. Additionally, they must possess cross-domain engineering skills, including software development, electrical engineering, and electronics.

Nova Anglia College’s program is specifically designed to provide many of these skills. The curriculum includes courses on electric powertrain controls, vehicle mechanics, battery engineering, and embedded systems. Students also gain hands-on experience through industry placements and laboratory work, making them job-ready upon graduation.

Expert Projections for the Future EV Field

Industry experts agree that the transition to electric vehicles represents one of the most pivotal movements in the automotive sector since the Industrial Revolution. Josh Boone, executive director of EV advocacy group Veloz, notes, “This is one of thebiggest changes since the Industrial Revolution, and it’s not just transforming what powers the car.“

The demand for skilled professionals will only increase. Educational institutions like Nova Anglia College stand to play an essential role in preparing the workforce for this future. The need for sufficiently skilled workers must be addressed for the electric vehicle industry to continue its success.

Fortunately, with institutions like Nova Anglia College preparing the next generation, we can rest easy knowing the green revolution will keep going.

Business

Click for Counsel: YesLawyer Wants to Make Lawyers as Accessible as Wi-Fi

Published

5 days ago

April 1, 2026

Matthew Wiles

Photo Courtesy of: YesLawyer

Byline: Andi Stark

For many people facing a legal problem, the most difficult part is not understanding their rights but finding a lawyer willing to speak with them in the first place. Long wait times, unclear pricing, and administrative hurdles often delay even the most basic consultations. YesLawyer, an AI-enabled plaintiff firm operating across all 50 states, is testing whether technology can shorten that gap.

Founded in 2024 by 25-year-old entrepreneur Rob Epstein, the platform offers free intake, automated screening, and, in many cases, same-day conversations with licensed attorneys. The idea is simple: reduce the friction between a client’s first request for help and an actual legal discussion. In this interview, Epstein explains how the system works, where artificial intelligence fits into the process, and what problems the company is trying to address in the broader legal system

Q: When you say you want lawyers to be “as accessible as Wi-Fi,” what does that mean in practical terms?

A: It’s a way of describing speed and availability. Someone dealing with a workplace dispute, a serious injury, or an immigration issue should be able to move from an online form or phone call to a real conversation with counsel in hours, not weeks. YesLawyer is structured so that a client begins with a free case evaluation, goes through automated conflict checks and basic screening, and, in many instances, speaks with a lawyer the same day.

Q: How does the process work once someone contacts the platform?

A: We use a structured workflow. It starts with a short questionnaire and an initial conversation to capture basic facts. That information feeds into conflict checks and internal review. The system then proposes a match with a licensed attorney and provides a calendar link for a virtual consultation, often within 24 hours. After the meeting, the client receives a written legal plan outlining next steps, deadlines, and estimated fees.

Q: Where does artificial intelligence fit into that process, and where does it stop?

A: AI is used for organizing and routing information, not for giving legal advice. It helps with conflict checks at scale, case categorization, and structured summaries so attorneys can focus on the substance of the matter. Every consultation is conducted by a licensed lawyer, and all decisions about strategy or next steps are made by humans.

Q: What problem is this model trying to solve in the current legal system?

A: Delay and cost are still major barriers. Many civil plaintiffs face long waits just to get a first appointment, along with high retainers and hourly billing that make early legal advice risky. We try to respond with faster consultations, flat-fee options, and financing. The idea is to remove administrative friction so lawyers spend less time on logistics and more time speaking with clients.

Q: Some critics say platforms like this blur the line between a technology company and a law firm. How do you describe YesLawyer?

A: We describe ourselves as a national, AI-enabled plaintiff firm that connects clients with independent attorneys. That structure does raise regulatory questions, especially around responsibility and oversight. We focus on licensing verification, attorney-written case plans, and clear communication about fees and services.

Q: You’ve said the main bottleneck is “systems” rather than people. What do you mean by that?

A: The issue isn’t that lawyers don’t want to help more people. It’s that the systems around them make it hard to scale their time. Intake, scheduling, and document handling take hours. Automating those parts means attorneys can handle more matters without being overwhelmed by repetitive tasks.

Q: Does this model risk favoring only the most profitable cases?

A: That’s a real concern in legal technology. Automation often works best for repeatable, high-volume disputes. Our view is that lowering administrative cost can actually make it easier to take on smaller or more complex cases that might otherwise be turned away. Whether that holds over time depends on the data.

Measuring Impact Over Time

YesLawyer’s attempt to compress the timeline between inquiry and consultation reflects broader changes in how legal services are being delivered. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in administrative work, firms are experimenting with new ways to reduce wait times and clarify costs.

The company’s early growth suggests that many clients value faster access to an initial conversation, even before considering long-term representation. Whether this platform-based model becomes widely adopted or remains one of several emerging approaches will depend on regulatory developments, lawyer participation, and measurable outcomes for clients. For now, YesLawyer’s experiment highlights a central question in modern legal practice: how quickly can help realistically be made available to the people who need it.