Signing Day Event to be Held April 29
ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. (April 22, 2021) – RCC is happy to announce that eight of the students in its Automotive Technology Program will be signing their Ford ASSET Program Letter of Intent and begin training. The event will take place at the Herbert Kurz Automotive Technology Center at 37 Ramland Road in Orangeburg on April 29 at 6 p.m. The event is open to students, parents, teachers, staff and Ford representatives. Participants in the event will celebrate the students who are committing to the program, tour the automotive facility in Orangeburg and learn more about the Ford ASSET Program.
ASSET stands for the Automotive Student Service Educational Training Program and is a partnership between the Ford Motor Company, Ford and Lincoln dealers and local participating community colleges. This unique program allows highly motivated students to get started on a career as a Quality Care Technician and is the only one with a paid internship allowing students to earn while they learn. Students alternate for six to eight weeks in the classroom and six to eight weeks with their sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealer over a two-year period. At the end of the two years, they earn an Associate’s Degree and valuable dealer experience.
Traci Brega, Dealer for Schultz Ford Nanuet, says they have gained many Ford-certified technicians who are trained and ready to work from day one. “We are involved with the students throughout the course of the program—we pair them up with a mentor so they are sure to understand their curriculum, and they graduate eager, bright-eyed and ready to work as certified technicians,” she says. “They may also migrate into parts, the service department, the showroom or become parts managers. They are gaining a valuable foundation that can be adapted to any position at the dealership.”
“The RCC automotive facility is state-of-the-art and the instructors are top notch,” Brega continues. “We have complete confidence in the graduates after going through the program. And, it’s a cost effective way to train technicians compared to other programs that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
Now an auto technician for Schultz Ford Nanuet, Haverstraw resident Yoan Parra heard about Ford ASSET from his instructor who recommended he get certified while working towards his degree at RCC. “I started as a rookie and I have worked hard to get into the program,” Para says. “RCC does a great job of making my schedule flexible because I’m working while studying.”
RCC President Dr. Michael Anthony Baston notes that RCC uses cutting edge academic technology in its program and offers an AAS in Automotive Technology and Snap-on Industrial Certifications. “Our automotive technology program offers life-long learning opportunities to continually increase skills in the automotive industry and use the latest tools and equipment,” he says. “This learning experience provides the highest level of marketable skills in the automotive industry.”
The Herbert Kurz Automotive Technology Center is an NC3 National Leadership Member and considered to be a model facility. The 27,304 square-foot building includes five classrooms, a certification room and a Snap-on Certified Lab with 10 lifts and customized Snap-on equipment. For more information about RCC’s Automotive Program, visit: https://sunyrockland.edu/programs/automotive-technology//
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Thanks to the school’s affordable tuition, students who begin their career journey at RCC and then transfer to a four-year college can save up to $100,000 on their education. RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through its new Career Skills Academy. More information can be found at www.sunyrockland.edu.
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