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Columbia City High School is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with City Auto Mall to offer a specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in Automotive Services beginning in the Fall of 2024. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for automotive technicians by providing students with a comprehensive education in automotive technology.
The new program will provide students with hands-on training and real-world experience in the automotive industry, preparing them for a successful career as skilled technicians. Students will learn from experienced professionals at City Auto Mall and gain valuable knowledge and skills to benefit them in their future careers.
The automotive industry is currently facing a significant shortage of skilled technicians as the older generation phases out through retirement. Recognizing this national challenge, City Chevrolet has collaborated with Whitley County Consolidated Schools to open an ASE-certified education center. This center, accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will introduce students to the Ford program, offering them a chance to earn Level 1 Ford certifications.
Kasey Shirey, Partner and General Manager of City Chevrolet, highlighted the pressing need for skilled technicians in the evolving automotive industry. “The demand for automotive technicians has surged in recent years, and we are experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. Our goal is to bridge this gap by providing students with an opportunity to explore and excel in this dynamic field.”
The curriculum will focus on a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, allowing students to gain valuable skills for a career in automotive repair. The hands-on portion of the program will take place at the City Chevrolet facility, emphasizing practical training.
“We are thrilled to partner with City Auto Mall to offer this unique opportunity for our students. This program will provide our students with valuable skills and knowledge in the automotive industry, and we are confident this will positively impact our students’ futures and the future of our community,” said Jennifer Reiff, WCCS Director of Innovation and Technology.
The program will complement the existing Career and Technical Education offerings at Columbia City High School and provide students with a pathway to pursue a career in the automotive industry. The curriculum will cover various aspects of automotive technology, including vehicle diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and customer service.
The partnership between Columbia City High School and City Auto Mall represents a significant opportunity for students to gain valuable skills and experience in a growing and dynamic industry. It will also benefit the local community by providing a pipeline of talented and well-trained automotive technicians.
“City Auto Mall has made a space for our program with state-of-the-art equipment and a temperature-controlled shop to engage students in their learning. There is a huge need for auto technicians as the technology continues to change rapidly. This is a beneficial pathway for those who don’t want to go to college but start with a fair wage in the trade. They can start earning right away,” Reiff said.
CTE programs at CCHS offer a variety of skills for career and college preparation for students. CCHS is dedicated to purposely matching students with individual plans for their futures that meet the local community’s demands and the job market. The Automotive program is one of 24 career pathways available to CCHS students.
CCHS is hiring an Automotive Service Instructor to begin next fall. The teacher will work closely with City AutoMall and CCHS CTE to build out classroom space and materials fit for the program’s use. While the applicant does not need an Indiana Teacher’s License, they must be willing to pursue one.
For more information about the new Automotive Technician CTE program at Columbia City High School or to apply for the teaching position, please visit wccsonline.com.
