By Leanne Costantino
Campus News
Rockland Community College has a new program available for students beginning their studies in the Fall of 2018. RCC recently entered into an agreement with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in conjunction with its Herbert Kurz Automotive Technology Center to train the next generation of automotive technicians. The Herbert Kurz Technology Center is an NC3 National Leadership member and will train 1,000 student/technicians annually through FCA’s Mopar CAP Local project. “NC3 couldn’t be more pleased with the successful local partnerships being formed between FCA US and NC3 leadership schools,” said Roger Tadajewski, the Executive Director of NC3. “With 26 schools launched since last July, the pipeline of technician talent to local dealerships is well underway across the nation.”
RCC’s 27,304 square-foot automotive facility includes a Snap-On Certified Lab with 10 lifts, a certification room, and five classrooms.
The number of jobs nationwide available for A.A.S./A.O.S. degree holders in automotive technology is projected to grow five percent by 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “There is tremendous growth in the automotive industry,” said Egbert Shillingford, executive director of extension sites and partnership programs and interim director of automotive technology at RCC. “Job opportunities are available at local dealerships and privately owned service garages. Students going through the program will receive manufacturer specific training for companies such as Ford, Chrysler, and Subaru. Also, students receive industry recognized certifications through NC3 & Snap On, as well as an A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology.”
The A.A.S. in Automotive Technology equips students with the tools to begin work immediately after completion of the degree and also gives them the foundation to begin coursework for a bachelor’s degree. The A.A.S. degree includes Snap-On certifications in automotive scanner diagnostics, multimeter, mechanical and electronic torque, and wheel service and alignment. The ability to receive nationally recognized certifications while gaining hands on experience in a college environment is setting students in the automotive program apart while allowing them to secure jobs after completion of the program. The degree track provides students with a thorough and dynamic technology-based curriculum, preparing them to become diagnostic leaders in the automotive industry. RCC students build up their professional and personal development in the automotive technology program, while learning to become leaders in the automotive service industry.
Facebook Comments