Company programs benefit auto tech students

  Friday, December 5, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Two new programs launched this semester in Pittsburg State’s Department of Automotive Technology are further preparing students for their professional careers.

Pit Crew

The Pit Crew Program is a unique partnership between PSU’s College of Technology, technical schools in the Kansas City area and regional Firestone stores.

Through this program, prospective students for PSU’s two-year automotive service technology program can have up to half of their tuition paid by Firestone if they commit to working in a Firestone store prior to their first semester at PSU.

“It’s really a great deal for all parties,” said Steve Polley, automotive technology assistant professor.  “During their time working at Firestone, the students can get a feel for the industry and decide if it’s truly what they want to do for a living while still in high school. If they like it and want to pursue it, they come to our program for potentially half the price.”

Polley said three of the students in PSU’s AST program this semester are taking advantage of the Firestone program. He said he expects that number to grow each year.

S-Tech Program

The S-Tech Program is a certification program through Snap-On, A leading manufacturer of shop equipment products and automotive diagnostic tools.

Through this program, AST students will earn certifications on Snap-On service repair information and multimeters. Polley said these certifications will pay valuable dividends when the students enter the workforce.

“Snap-On is one of the premier brands in the industry,” he said. “Students who come out of our program with these certifications will be both attractive to and an asset for their potential employers.”

Snap-On S-Tech is a member of the National Coalition of Certification Centers.