De Anza College and Tesla Launch Hands-On Engineering Technician Training Partnership
Collaboration reflects college’s commitment to expanding industry-connected workforce training in Silicon Valley
CUPERTINO, Calif., July 20, 2026 — De Anza College, in partnership with Tesla, announced the launch of a structured, hands-on training program for the company's incoming engineering technicians, marking the college's growing role as a workforce training partner for Silicon Valley employers.
Co-developed with Tesla, the 480-hour curriculum draws on De Anza College's expertise in Automotive Technology and Design and Manufacturing Technologies. Participants receive applied instruction in safety, mechanics, instrumentation, electrical systems, and diagnostics, preparing them to support Tesla's test engineering, R&D, and manufacturing environments.
The first cohort of 15 technicians begins today, July 20, 2026. The current agreement covers two cohorts, with additional cohorts anticipated as the program continues.
"This partnership demonstrates how De Anza College can bring together exceptional faculty, advanced facilities, and industry expertise to respond directly to the workforce needs of Silicon Valley employers," said Ram Subramaniam, vice president of instruction at De Anza College. "We are excited to work with Tesla and to create training that can continue to evolve as technologies and workforce needs change."
The collaboration reflects De Anza College's broader commitment to providing industry-connected workforce training that responds to the evolving needs of Silicon Valley employers. Through its Contract Education program, the college works with employers across the region to design customized training aligned with their specific technical needs. As automation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies reshape technical careers, De Anza's industry-experienced faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and innovative academic programs position the college to support ongoing workforce development.
The initial phase of the program will serve technicians selected directly by Tesla. De Anza College is also exploring how the knowledge and experience gained through the collaboration could help inform future educational pathways for students interested in advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, and related technical careers.
About De Anza College
De Anza College is a public community college in Cupertino, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Part of the Foothill–De Anza Community College District, De Anza serves one of the most diverse student populations in California through programs in university transfer, career and technical education, and workforce training, including customized employer training through its Contract Education program. The college challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character and abilities and become socially responsible leaders in their communities and the world. De Anza consistently ranks among the top community colleges in the state for transfer to UC and CSU campuses. More at deanza.edu.