HCC automotive training addresses major technician shortage
Supply chain issues and the scarcity of parts and microchips used in new vehicles have created a new car shortage and increased the demand for pre-owned cars. The shortage is also prompting current car owners to keep their vehicles longer and increasing the demand for maintenance and repair.
The supply chain problem has exacerbated the demand for automotive repair technicians throughout the Houston region and nationally.
The Houston Community College automotive technology program aims to address the technician shortage by delivering trained graduates to the industry as quickly as possible.
The program trains students for careers as automotive, diesel and collision repair technicians. Graduates exit the program prepared for work with gas-powered and hybrid vehicles. Enrolled students can complete a certificate or associate of applied science degree in two years or less by taking classes at an accelerated rate through block scheduling. To support recent high school graduates and adult students, HCC offers automotive training full-time during the day and part-time in the evenings.
HCC has invested in the latest technology to ensure graduates are industry-ready upon completion. Students engage in hands-on instruction using new, used and special hybrid cutout vehicles. The college has also added vehicle training aids that demonstrate safety and electrical components found in electric cars. HCC automotive and diesel repair students also can complete specialized certifications in Audi, Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Cummins, I-Car and AC Delco.
“We are excited to offer students the opportunity to participate in on-demand, specialized training with national car brands at no additional cost. When students complete these certifications, it makes them more marketable and positions them for immediate work at area dealerships,”says David Vogel, dean of the Transportation Center of Excellence.
Every course in the program is offered every term, Vogel added, meaning students can miss a term and pick up right where they left off. “We find this to be a strong selling point since life can interrupt plans sometimes. This gives the student more flexibility to achieve their goals.”
The shortage of technicians is dramatic. According to the 2021 TechForce Foundation study, the transportation industry is expected to grow to nearly 800,000 jobs by 2025. The opportunities for trained automotive and diesel repair technicians are endless.
“We are constantly approached by dealerships, small repair shops, franchised car maintenance centers, government agencies, and companies with truck fleets that need our assistance in filling vacant transportation repair positions,” Vogel said.
The automotive program is offered in two locations in north Houston that include the Automotive Technology Training Center and the Transportation Center of Excellence at the HCC North Forest Campus.