LI College Partners With Tesla To Create Job Program For Students

Farmingdale State College and Tesla announced on Tuesday they will be partnering to introduce a new classroom-to-job program at the car company's warehouse in Hauppauge.

The program, which will begin this semester, will place students from Farmingdale’s Automotive Technology Department graduating from the two-year technical program or four-year automotive management program into internships with the luxury car company and fast-track them for full-time employment with Tesla.

Tesla operates similar programs in other regions, and is now bringing the initiative to Long Island for the first time.

“The collaboration between Tesla and Farmingdale State College will create a path for our students between their postsecondary studies and a meaningful career,” Dr. Mohamad Zoghi, Acting Chair of the Automotive Technology Department said. “In turn, the Long Island region will benefit from the economic expansion associated with a diverse, expertly trained, and locally produced workforce.”

The announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday which began with a tour of Tesla’s Hauppauge solar warehouse, during which elected officials and other attendees learned about the company’s American-made solar products, zero-emissions vehicles, and energy assets.

“New Yorkers have embraced Tesla’s sustainable energy products, and we’ll continue to work with our employees to meet the rising demand throughout the state,” a Tesla spokesperson said. “In addition, we're excited to work with students from SUNY Farmingdale who share our interest in accelerating the transition to sustainable energy in their local communities.”