Last Updated on May 17, 2017 3:15 pm
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Automotive Systems Technology Program is partnering with Subaru of America to expand its curriculum.
The partnership will allow CCC&TI’s already nationally accredited automotive systems curriculum to also include Subaru’s web-based, manufacturer-specific vehicle systems training. The additional training will better prepare CCC&TI students for possible employment with a Subaru retailer or with any automotive service center that performs work on Subaru vehicles.
Locally, CCC&TI is partnering with Jim Armstrong Subaru in Hickory and Modern Subaru in Boone to offer the training. According to Subaru, the program, which is offered at no cost to students, can greatly improve a graduate’s chances of landing a job. “By infusing Subaru’s Web Based Training into the existing curriculum, students have the ability to take most of the entry level training that is required of all Subaru technicians. Students can even opt to take a Subaru Level 2 Instructor Led Training Test-out and advance their training even further. Students at participating Subaru-U partner schools can gain valuable knowledge of Subaru vehicle systems that can better prepare them for possible employment in any one of approximately 600 Subaru retailers nationwide.”
Paired with the rising demand for skilled automotive technicians, this training means a positive employment outlook for students enrolled in CCC&TI’s program and programs like it across the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of qualified technicians needed nationwide will rise by 780,000 by the year 2024, representing a 5 percent increase in demand. For local Subaru Dealers and Service Managers, this training will help bridge the gap between demand and finding qualified technicians to join their service teams.
Local school administrators are excited about the partnership. “This is a great partnership between Watauga County Schools, Caldwell Community College and Modern Subaru. Our high school students will benefit from the high quality curriculum, which will prepare them for good paying jobs in the high tech automotive technology field,” said Dr. Scott Elliott, superintendent for Watauga County Schools.
“Our high school students are learning real world, high tech skills that are in strong demand in the workforce. This free training will be invaluable whether students choose to continue their education at Caldwell, continue their studies at a college or university, or go straight into the workforce.”
Current student Thomas Helton is a Hibriten High School student who is also enrolled in CCC&TI’s Automotive Systems Technology Program under the Career and College Promise Program. He says the partnership will help him be more competitive when it comes time to look for employment. “The ability to get Subaru training will give me advantages and options for my career,” said Helton.
CCC&TI Automotive Systems Technology Director Roy Jennings who has spearheaded the efforts to bring the partnership to fruition, agrees with both Elliot and Helton. “The opportunity for Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute to collaborate with a major manufacturer like Subaru will benefit the future of our students for a lifetime, and make our program stand out as the premiere training facility for future students,” said Jennings.
For more information on CCC&TI’s Automotive Systems Technology program, contact Director Roy Jennings at 828-726-2384, email rjennings@cccti.edu or visit www.cccti.edu.
