01/18/2019

KALAMAZOO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO OFFER ONE-YEAR GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CERTIFICATION

Source: Motor Age

Beginning in winter semester 2019, Kalamazoo Valley is offering a one-year certificate program in General Automotive Service (GAS). Full implementation of the new program starts in fall 2019.

"This was driven by our local employers and advisory committee that are desperate for technicians at any skill level," said Kalamazoo Valley's Automotive Department Chair Doug Martin. "It has led to a few agreements of understanding with employers that want to see their technicians progress and become more skilled. Employers are looking at sending new hires or perspective employees through the one-year certificate so they do not have to do the training in-house. This will benefit the program, the student, and the industry." 
Martin explained that the certificate program is designed to provide a rapid path to entry level technician skills. Students may enroll in the program independently or employers may choose to send their technicians for training.

The program teaches some of the foundational skills that area employers require of their technicians who are starting in the repair industry. If students are successful, they can earn State certifications in Brakes, Steering and Suspension, Electrical, and Air Conditioning. It will also provide the student with the ability to test for his MACS (Mobile Air Conditioning Society), Refrigerant Handling Certification (EPA 609).

The GAS certificate is designed to serve as the first two semesters of Kalamazoo Valley's AAS degree in Undercar Systems so it can be easily rolled into an associate degree path, if the student wants to further their education. 
It can also be used as the first year of a 3+1 degree program set up between the Auto department and Siena Heights that allows students to continue on to a B.S. in Automotive with an emphasis on management skills.

"We have employers considering using this option for training service writers, clerical, management, and other positions," Martin said. "This industry is just changing so fast. We will strive to use the resources we have to do everything we can to keep up with employer demand."