Due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road, the demand for automotive technicians continue to be strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) employment in the industry will expand five percent from 2014 through 2024.
Northwest Technology Center’s Automotive Service Technology Program continues to produce qualified technicians from its programs at both the Alva and the Fairview campuses. Ron Rader is the instructor for the program at Alva. At Fairview, Bobby Watson is the instructor. The program is open to both high school students and adults.
According to Rader, “Auto Service Technology is a great place to get started in a rewarding and challenging career in the automotive field.”
“Employment opportunities for technicians in NW Oklahoma is very strong right now. Not only in traditional areas of automotive service, but many of our local companies who utilize a large fleet of their own vehicles or equipment are continually seeking to hire employees with a strong mechanical aptitude and skill set.” stated Watson.
Students who are enrolled the Auto Service Technology Program can choose from four career options. They include: Auto Service Technician, Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technician, Auto Chassis Technician and Auto Air Conditioning Technician. All four options include shop and tool safety and an automotive technology core of classes. Financial assistance is available to adult students who meet certain qualifications. NWTC’s Auto Service Program is accredited by NATEF.
All those enrolled are members of the SkillsUSA student organization. Each year, students from both campuses participate in the SkillsUSA District Contest. Those who qualify advance to state contest. Placing in the recent contest from Alva were Justin Werve, Second Place-Post-Secondary, Jeremiah Hoover, First Place- Secondary and Wyatt Crouch, Fifth Place- Secondary. Those placing from Fairview were David Beyer, First Place – Post-Secondary and Shane Rippe, Sixth Place – Secondary. Werve, Beyer and Hoover all qualified to compete in the state competition later this spring.
For more information on NWTC’s Auto Service Technology program, please call 580.327.0344 in Alva or 580.227.3708 in Fairview. Also, more information is available on the school’s website at www.nwtech.edu.