Driving the Future: Toyota and GateWay Invest in Tomorrow’s EV Technicians
When the future of the automotive industry rolls onto campus, it’s hard not to take notice. In early May 2026, GateWay Community College welcomed Toyota dealers and sales professionals from across Arizona for an exclusive product launch event featuring the 2026 RAV4, bZ Woodland, and C-HR electric vehicles. But this wasn’t just a showcase, it was a powerful example of what happens when education and industry come together.
As part of the visit, Toyota hosted a hands-on Ride-and-Drive experience alongside product presentations, giving attendees a first look at the latest innovations shaping the future of mobility. In return, Toyota made an investment that will have a lasting impact: a $10,000 scholarship donation to support students in GateWay’s Toyota T-TEN Program.
For students, that investment means more than financial support—it’s a direct pathway into high-demand careers.
The Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training & Education Network) program is a two-year, immersive experience designed to prepare the next generation of dealership technicians. Students don’t just learn in the classroom—they split their time between campus and real-world dealership environments, gaining hands-on experience with Toyota vehicles while earning income.
Through a combination of classroom instruction, lab work, and paid dealership training, students build the technical expertise and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The program culminates in an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology, co-developed by Toyota and GateWay to meet real industry needs.
A key component of the program is the partnership between students and Toyota dealerships. Dealerships provide on-the-job training during cooperative work periods, while GateWay supports students in finding the right placement, making this a true partnership from day one.
And the timing couldn’t be better.
As the industry shifts toward electric vehicles, GateWay is expanding its offerings to prepare students for what’s next. In addition to current coursework like ASE265: Introduction to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, the college is preparing to launch a dedicated EV program in the coming academic year. Students are already gaining foundational knowledge in hybrid and battery electric systems, safety protocols, and advanced drivetrains—skills that are becoming essential across the industry.
For Toyota partners, events like this highlight the strength of the talent pipeline being built right here in Arizona. For students, it’s proof that opportunity is closer than ever, and that the road to a rewarding career can start today.
Learn more about the Toyota T-TEN program and how to get involved: GateWay Toyota T-TEN Program.