The Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Texas, is putting $1.9 million toward a new training program for automotive technicians, reports 12 News Now.
The program was created in response to staffing shortages at local automotive service shops and dealerships. Dr. Angela Hill, provost and vice president of instruction, said the school consulted with local auto shops to help develop the program.
“The need directly came from industry,” said Hill.
As part of the two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program, students will receive hands-on training in engines, electronics, and diagnostics, preparing them for careers as automotive service technicians, diagnostic technicians, and service advisors.
Lessons will be conducted from within a fully renovated 10,000-square-foot shop, with construction on the new facility slated to begin in August and wrap up by December.
“The lab space will be immersive. It will be real, like hands on experience, so that students will be able to leave from here and step day one into an automotive technician position,” said Hill.
Classes will also be offered on a flexible schedule, with evening and weekend classes to be available. Hill also plans to expand the program’s curriculum to cover topics like electric vehicles one day.
“We will later on, add things for our electrical vehicles and so forth, so that we can continue to be responsive to the community and the demands of the workforce,” said Hill.
Applications for classes in the new program are already being accepted now.
