College's Automotive Major Helps Meet Demand for Trained Technicians

Kayla D. Wilson is ecstatic about the automotive technology: Mopar CAP emphasis associate-degree major, which combines her personal education style with her professional goals. "I like to learn how to do things with my hands because I can learn better doing it that way," said Wilson, who alternates between Penn College and a paid internship at Griffin Motors in her Meadville hometown. "You sit and you listen and then you go and apply that. We go and do activities on the cars and then come back and learn a little bit more. You're going back and forth so that you can see how things work. And if you need help, no matter what, the instructor is there." The major also prepares students to take various certification examinations that helps them seamlessly transition to automotive careers or into a bachelor's degree in automotive technology management. Interviewed for a video added to the college's YouTube channel, the dealership's service manager acknowledged the mutual benefit of Wilson's education. "She's self-motivated. She learns quickly. She's not afraid to try new things," Joe King said. "At the time of her graduation, she should be a Level 2 technician, which is valuable to us ... and to her, as well. So we hope to keep her on after she graduates."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtn4Musx5Hk