Southwest's Automotive Program Trains Highly Skilled Technicians
For more information, contact:
Robert Jackson
901-333-4116
rjackson@southwest.tn.edu
The Southwest Automotive Technology Program trains qualified students to help meet the employment challenges of the technically-evolving automotive industry. The program is a comprehensive two-year program leading to careers in the automotive service industry. The program is designed to provide the technical competency required of entry-level technicians employed by dealerships and other automotive service establishments.
According to instructor, Martin Gambill, "Southwest's Automotive Service Technology program offers a non-manufacturer specific AAS degree training program which prepares a student to work as an entry level repair technician at any new car dealership, independent repair facility, government agency, and other related transportation companies. An overwhelming majority of Southwest's automotive graduates are currently employed at local dealerships, and companies like FedEx and Memphis Light Gas and Water."
Instructors of this program are currently trained by brand specific manufacturer's training and or aftermarket training programs, so classes are taught to the latest relevant industry standards. Southwest trains students using the newest possible tools and equipment, much of which is exactly the same as in new car dealerships and independent repair facilities. The program also has an advisory board which consists of more than a dozen members who work at a wide range of automotive service facilities.
Southwest's curriculum has been designed in conjunction with the automotive service industry and it is desired that the student co-op with a participating automotive service business in order to achieve practical application. Average headcount within the past several years is more than sixty students.
"The automotive program at Southwest offers exceptional hands on training as well as lecture in all of the different areas of automotive service and does an amazing job at keeping up with current methods used in the field. The instructors are passionate about what they are teaching and one instructor went out of the way in helping me get my current job," says current student, Kevin Dickerson.