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Hatfield and Ricart Organizations Team Up and Donate 7 Engines to Columbus State Community College Automotive Technology Program

CSCC engine donation

 

"I'm extremely happy to be able to provide the tools necessary for the students at CSCC to become successful. I also wanted to thank Kia Motors for allowing us to donate these engines in the name of education. These students deserve the absolute best, and the partnership with Kia Motors is ensuring we are heading that direction with our Partners at CSCC."

 

COLUMBUS, OH- Hatfield KIA and Ricart Automotive joined forces to ensure that the future of the automotive industry is in well-educated and capable hands by donating 7 KIA engines to the Columbus State Community College (CSCC) Automotive Technology Program. The engines donated are valued in excess of $35,000.


Columbus State's ASE Education Foundation-accredited Automotive Technology program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to be successful Service Technicians, Parts Professionals, and Service Advisors. Both classroom and hands-on experiences prepare graduates for a wide variety of job opportunities in new-car dealerships, independent repair shops and fleet repair facilities. Courses cover all the pertinent information required for pursuit of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations, completion of a number of other certificates, and/or earning an associate’s degree.


The seven engines provided by the Hatfield and Ricart Organizations will help in CSCC's Automotive Engines: Theory and Operation courses. This course is 48 hours of instruction, and is taught to between 72 to 90 students each year in pursuit of either their associate degree in Automotive Technology or the MAST Master Automotive Service Technician Certificate. The donation will keep CSCC students current in emerging engine technology.


Steve Levin, Automotive Technology Coordinator/Instructor at Columbus State, comments, “The Columbus State Community College Automotive Technology program is excited to receive these engines, and we are very appreciative for the support from Kia, Ricart Automotive and the Hatfield organization. In addition to helping our students, this donation saves our program money and is a great example of the value in partnerships between the auto industry and Columbus State as we work together to better prepare our students for success.”


Ricart Automotive's Vice President and Director of Fixed Operations Jared Ricart also speaks to this partnership, stating: "I'm extremely happy to be able to provide the tools necessary for the students at CSCC to become successful. I also wanted to thank Kia Motors for allowing us to donate these engines in the name of education. These students deserve the absolute best, and the partnership with Kia Motors is ensuring we are heading that direction with our Partners at CSCC."


According to the United States Department of Labor, the job outlook for automotive service technicians is a bright one. In 2016 there were approximately 750,000 job opportunities for technicians, and with a 6% projected growth rate we can expect to see an additional 50,000 positions unfold over the next 10 years. Due to high demand, competitive pay and opportunity for growth, it isn't uncommon for salaries of technicians to exceed $60,000+ per year.


As the automotive industry continues to thrive, local dealers are optimistic for its future. Hatfield Kia's General Manager Brian Frye states, "I’m glad that we could contribute the engines to Columbus State Community College. Hatfield Kia takes great pride in being part of the community we serve. We give back to our community as often as possible and appreciate the opportunity to help!" 


Learn more about what new-car dealers across the state are doing to enhance their communities by connecting with the Ohio Automobile Dealers on Facebook.

 

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