CCBC recognized for automotive industry acumen

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. recently honored CCBC for applying innovative automotive training techniques aimed at narrowing the gap between the supply of and demand for skilled automotive technicians in today’s workforce.

Toyota’s Technical Education Network (T-TEN) recognized CCBC Dean of the School of Applied and Information Technology Michael Netzer and T-TEN Director Steve Ingham for implementing an accelerated training course that will provide technicians to surrounding Toyota and Lexus dealerships.

Established in 1986, T-TEN is a partnership between TMS and 51 colleges nationwide that trains automotive service and collision repair technicians in a comprehensive college-accredited and National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)-certified program. The curriculum features classroom study, hands-on learning and internships at Toyota and Lexus dealerships.

“This is Toyota’s opportunity to recognize T-TEN school partners who embrace Toyota’s spirit of continuous improvement for technician recruitment and development. Each of the schools being recognized has exceeded our expectations to meet the needs of Toyota and Lexus dealerships,” said Dave Camden, TMS vice president of dealer operations, Toyota customer services.

The awards ceremony, which connected key educators, college administrators and Toyota representatives, provided a forum to share strategies and recognize collaborative efforts to fulfill local automotive business needs. A total of five schools were recognized at the awards ceremony in Carmel, Calif.

Along with CCBC Catonsville, Atlantic Technical Center in Coconut Creek, Fla., Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas, Ventura College in Ventura, Calif. and Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. were recognized for their 2003 T-TEN program participation.

The mission of the Automotive Technology Programs at CCBC is to prepare students for successful employment or advancement as automotive technicians by providing technical training in the classroom and in the lab on CCBC vehicles. The CCBC programs meet the standards of NATEF and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). In 1992 the Automotive Technology program was first awarded full Master Certification in all eight specialty areas by ASE.