In line with its commitment to social responsibility and public safety, Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology organized a specialized workshop on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, for members of the Palestinian Civil Defense. The workshop focused on identifying and managing risks associated with electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly in the context of accidents.

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Led by Mr. Abdel-Monem Dweikat, an expert in automotive technology and a trainer at An-Najah Center for Training and Rehabilitation, the session was held under the supervision of Dr. Musadak Al-Masri, Head of the Automotive Technology Department. The workshop was attended by Major Mahmoud Musleh, Director of Public Relations and Training Management at the Civil Defense Directorate in Nablus, alongside other Civil Defense personnel from various centers in the Nablus Governorate.

The comprehensive workshop included both theoretical and practical components, covering key topics such as the operation of electric and hybrid vehicles, their critical components, and the associated risks. Participants learned about the safety measures and protective equipment required when handling these vehicles in accidents, as well as methods to address potential hazards within their systems. The practical training, conducted in the college’s mechatronics laboratory, involved hands-on sessions with an educational hybrid vehicle, with a particular focus on general safety protocols.

Major Musleh praised the strong partnership between the Civil Defense and An-Najah National University, particularly with Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology, emphasizing the importance of such training for public safety. He noted that the workshop enhances the Civil Defense's ability to respond effectively to accidents involving electric and hybrid vehicles, contributing to broader safety efforts such as the enforcement of seat belt use, which is vital for activating protection systems in these vehicles.

Dr. Amer Mssad, Dean of Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology, reaffirmed the college’s dedication to serving the community and supporting both public and private institutions. He highlighted the college’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with the Civil Defense, underscoring the value of future workshops that draw on the expertise of the college’s qualified trainers and educators in the automotive and technical fields.

It is also worth noting that Hisham Hijjawi College recently received accreditation for an intermediate diploma program in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, positioning its graduates to work in maintenance centers and government institutions or to establish their own businesses in the growing field of electric vehicle maintenance. In addition, the college has applied for accreditation from the Palestinian Ministry of Labor for a one-year professional diploma program in this field, which is expected to launch soon.