For media information, contact:
Dana Urrutia, 678-495-3638
durrutia@gwinnetttech.edu

June 22, 2004

Gwinnett Technical College Gears Up General Automotive Program

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified the shortage of automotive technicians at nearly 35,000 nationwide through the year 2010. In fact, in a time when hiring is just slightly on the rise in most industries, auto dealers are desperately seeking qualified workers for thousands of unfilled career positions.

Therefore, it’s no wonder Gwinnett Technical College has had an overwhelming number of applicants for its general automotive program. The interest has been so overwhelming, in fact, that the college is doubling its course offerings this fall.

Offered only in the evenings for the past seven or eight years, Gwinnett Tech is expanding its general automotive program to include day classes in addition to the evening classes, so “students aren’t restricted to just 6-10:30pm any more,” says Monroe Sorton, who will be overseeing the general automotive program at Gwinnett Tech. “They can now adjust their schedule to meet their needs, day or night.”

Students who earn a degree, diploma or certificate in the general automotive program can start their careers as general automotive techs, basic automotive techs, brake and front end specialists, transmission specialists, air conditioning and electrical specialists, engine specialists, computer systems specialists, service advisors, service writers, or parts specialists, for example. “Technical skills and knowledge can go a long way,” says Sorton. “These students will qualify to work for a dealership, an independent shop or pursue their own business.”

For more information, contact the general automotive program at Gwinnett Tech, 770.962.7580 x261.