Student Tribune

General Motors Donates Truck in Support of Preparing MCC Automotive Students for High-tech Careers

On June 8, General Motors donated a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali diesel truck to MCC for automotive students to train on the latest technology and gain the skills that are in demand in today's workplace.

The vehicle will be used by students in MCC's General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP) at the Applied Technologies Center. The two-year degree program combines classroom instruction and hands-on training with apprenticeship experience at a participating dealership or service center in Western New York. Training focuses on diagnostic and repair services on all major systems, including computer technology, electrical components and emissions controls.

"Technological growth of GM vehicles drives the need for well-trained technicians today and for years to come. The donation of one of our newest, state-of-the-art vehicles to MCC reflects our commitment to our dealers, our customers and to the students in the GM Automotive Service Educational Program," said Mike Zafonte, regional training manager for GM's Northeast region. "Apprenticeship programs like ASEP have long been the foundation of the American workforce and continue to be instrumental in preparing individuals for the jobs of the future. Our support of students and the program is vital to our long-term business success. We look forward to growing our relationship with MCC."

"This program provides students with the highest quality automotive education possible," said Greg Stahl, owner of Bob Johnson Chevrolet. "When Bob Johnson Chevrolet sponsors a student, we know we are getting the best of the best to work on our customers' vehicles."

At the time of graduation, MCC students complete 80 percent of their GM industry training. Program graduates immediately enter the workforce as certified technicians specialized to work on GM vehicles. The job prospects for automotive technicians are expected to be very good, with the field projected to grow faster than average. Nationally, automotive service technician job openings are expected to increase by more than 60,000 between 2012 and 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Finger Lakes region projects 233 annual job openings in automotive technologies, according to MCC's 2015 report "Measuring Middle-Skills Occupational Gaps Within the Finger Lakes Regional Economy."

"We are grateful to General Motors for their strong support of MCC students in ensuring they receive the best preparation for high-demand careers in the automotive field," said MCC President Anne M. Kress. "With GM's partnership, our students gain skills linked to industry standards, so they can contribute in the workplace at the highest levels from day one. MCC is committed to meeting the industry's evolving workforce needs and helping employers and our region's economy grow."

Since the program's inception in 1985, MCC's GM ASEP has educated over 230 students and has had a 100 percent placement rate for graduates. Over the years, the company has donated 51 vehicles and equipment to the college. Recent donations include a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado truck, and a 2014 Cadillac SRX crossover SUV.

News of the donation was covered by the Rochester Business Journal Online.

Wood, Gretchen
MCC Foundation
06/12/2018