GM donates five vehicles to WCC for auto program
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 25, 2014 1:46 PM
General Motors has donated five vehicles to the Wayne Community College for its automotive training program.
At WCC, the GM Automotive Service Educational Program, or ASEP, combines classroom, lab and on-the-job learning as well as analytical and technical skills specific to the General Motors company. The curriculum also prepares students for the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence exam and future employment in dealerships and repair shops. Graduates earn an associate in applied science degree in automotive systems technology.
The college also offers an Automotive Systems Technology/Multiple Manufacturer Automotive Technician Educational Program that leads to certificates and degrees.
GM, one of the largest automotive manufacturers, supports training programs that prepare future automotive technicians, said Rick Jackson, manager of GM ASEP.
"Our dedication to excellence starts at the training level by partnering with schools in communities around the globe to share our collective passion for the automotive industry and educate, inspire and motivate the technicians of tomorrow," he said.
The company recently donated a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 GMC Yukon, 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and 2012 Cadillac CTS for students in the program to train on while at the college.
"Wayne Community College plays an important role in helping the auto industry fill a critical need -- developing and retaining skilled automotive technicians," said GM ASEP Coordinator/ Instructor David Byrd. "This generous donation from GM enables us to deliver the highest quality education to our students."
Michael Vincent, service director at CCOG, the Chevrolet dealership in Goldsboro, agreed that WCC's GM ASEP is a valuable program.
"We have lots of graduates who work with us and a lot who are still in the program who are still training." he said. "The ones who came out of this program have excelled at our dealership. The program has definitely made them ready for real world experience."
Vehicles such as the Equinox and Cruze are not only popular in terms of sales, Vincent said, but consequently when the need arises for maintenance and repairs, it is essential for future technicians to become familiar with the engines. Having those vehicles in the college program affords students the opportunity to work on them and gain that experience.