The Automotive Technologies department located at the Miller Campus offers hands on experience for students with the latest technologies. Salt Lake Community College has a long standing relationship with industry leader Hunter Engineering, a partner committed to education.
“It’s been a win-win situation where our students get to train on the latest and greatest equipment. It’s good for Hunter Engineering in that they get to use our facility as the western regional training center,” said assistant professor Vince Badger. “They bring people in from the industry for training. These people get to see the type of facility we have and what type of training we do for our students, which encourages them to hire our students when they graduate from the program.”
Hunter Engineering wants students to succeed and partnered with SLCC over 15 years ago, supplying the college with the most up-to-date automotive service equipment. Corporate trainers visit twice a year to assist with instruction on new machinery that ranges from lift racks, balancers, alignment systems, brake lathes and more.
The Automotive Technologies department doesn’t stop there. The American Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) is now part of the Automotive Technician AAS Degree. The program focuses on repair and maintenance of Honda autos as well as customer service. After completing AUTO 1010, students are eligible to challenge the Honda Express series of tests. If they successfully pass they become part of the PACT.
In addition, Honda supplies SLCC with a circulation of 17 different Honda and Acura models that students get to work on. This helps students with real world applications and gives good exposure to some of the vehicles that are on the roads today.
The program has received national acclaim. Student Nathan Staker competed at the state level of the Skills USA competition and then took first place in the national competition last June. He participated in the Motorcycle Service Technologies division of the competition. Harley Davidson just awarded a new Screaming Eagle Harley Davidson to SLCC on behalf of Staker. At 17 years and 9 months old he is the youngest to ever win this high of an award.
Another win-win of the program is that the Automotive Technologies garage is open to students and faculty of SLCC at a discounted rate. The cost goes to supporting the program and the additional money is put into tuition assistance for current and future students. Work orders are subject to the classes’ current curriculum and any appointment and inquiries should be directed to Mr. Shields in the parts department at 801-957-5346.
Part of the enrollment in the automotive program is membership to Skills USA, which sponsors the Professional Development Program or PDP. These programs all work together to foster and promote leadership and effective communication skills for greater employment opportunities.
For additional program information, call (801) 957-4346 or visit www.slcc.edu/autotechnologies
