Gwinnett Tech Expands Hybrid Automotive Training Fleet
With gas prices skyrocketing and consumers driven to conserve, hybrid vehicles are becoming ever more popular. This new engine technology requires specialized service – delivered by technicians with specific hybrid training. Gwinnett Technical College has just expanded its hybrid training fleet in the college's Automotive Technology program, anticipating growing demand from students, employers and ultimately, car owners.
Southeast Toyota Distributors have provided a second Toyota Prius to Gwinnett Tech to be used by students in the Toyota T-Ten Technician Development Program at the college, reflecting the growing use of hybrid technology in the automotive industry.
"We now have two hybrid Toyota Prius models for our students to learn and train with, enabling them to become experienced with hybrid technology even before they graduate," explains Steve Conway, automotive program director, Gwinnett Tech. "Our partnership with Toyota and their outstanding support of the program means our students are learning the newest, most innovative industry technology."
Hybrid technology – which uses both gasoline and electricity – requires the work of specially trained automotive technicians who have mastered additional performance and safety requirements.
"We're delighted to continue our strong support of the Toyota T-Ten program at Gwinnett Tech," says Roger Blandford, manager, technical training and product support, Southeast Toyota Distributors. "The college is doing a great job of training the technicians who are so valuable to our dealerships throughout the state."
Gwinnett Technical College is the only Georgia college that offers the Toyota T-TEN Technician Development Program. Students may choose either the associate degree or the diploma program. In this cooperative learning model, students divide their time between classroom instruction and work at a Toyota dealership while in school. The sponsoring dealership also pays for the student's Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests.
Gwinnett Tech offers similar cooperative programs with other automotive manufacturers, including General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.
For more information about Gwinnett Tech's Automotive Technology program or any of college's more than 45 program options, call 770.962.7580 or visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.
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