Southern Maine Community College is launching the state’s first program that trains auto repair workers to diagnose and fix problems on electric and hybrid vehicles.

The class is designed for technicians who already work at auto repair shops and auto dealers.

The first class, which is already full, is being offered this month.

Ruth Morrison, SMCC’s automotive technology chair, said there’s a shortage of mechanics trained to deal with electric cars.

She says it’s about to become an “international crisis.”