Western Technical College

   Western Technical College’s (WTC) Automotive Technology Program has recently partnered with high schools from Socorro Independent School District’s (SISD) Career and Technical Education Program. The goal of the partnership is to help high school student’s advance by preparing them for important industry certifications such as those from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and competencies required by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Participating high schools are Americas, Socorro, and El Dorado.

   The partnership began this week with specialized tours and safety orientation for the high school students to become acquainted with the automotive facility at WTC’s Main Campus. Robert Galvan, Advanced Automotive Technology Instructor of America’s High School, has been actively working with the College to develop the new partnership. Galvan says, “This is the first program of this kind for SISD’s Automotive Technology Program, where high school students will go to a college campus and practice their automotive learning with college instructors and with the latest technology in a facility that our high school budgets just don’t allow for.” 

   Albert Garcia, Supervisor of the Automotive Technology program at WTC has been working with Galvan to solidify the partnership. Garcia says, “We are thrilled to be helping SISD, as they have their own automotive programs, but the advanced equipment and technology will enhance the curriculum. Ultimately, this training partnership will help students to become better prepared for their future career.”

   Diana Medina, an Instructional Specialist for SISD Career and Technical Education, and has been with the District for 30 years, says, “SISD has been looking to take our advanced automotive classes to the next level in education.  This is a very innovative concept, and like WTC provides externship opportunities through its curriculum, SISD will be placing these students in the second semester in a real working environment.” SISD is also working on an articulation agreement with WTC so that those high school students who go through the program and decide to continue their education at WTC, will not have to take classes that they have already been trained in and have the technical background for.

   George Arrants is a Consultant for both SISD and WTC and says, “ This is a partnership that will not only provide students with higher quality post secondary training while still in high school but, will truly benefit the local business community by keeping the local talent local and providing a seamless transition to high education. Western Tech is providing an amazing community service and cost savings to Socorro ISD and the future transportation workforce in El Paso.”

What: 

SISD High School Students Training at Western Technical College,Advanced Auto Technology & Practicum

When: 

Begins Monday, August 9, Monday- Fridays. throughout 2010 8:30- 11:15 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Where: 

Western Technical College, Main Campus, 9624 Plaza Circle Dr.