Midland College students enrolled in the school’s Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology program will get hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance.
In a report by NewsWest9, Associate Professor for Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology Erick Gutierrez said the program places an emphasis on the importance of auto care amid a surge of supply chain issues around the country.
"It's highly important to maintain vehicles, that's the important part here, replacing vehicles is not cost efficient, keeping trucks on the road, keeping cars on the road is what it's all about," Gutierrez told NewsWest9.
The program looks to help alleviate the semiconductor shortage, which Gutierrez believes is here to stay, putting more pressure on them and the industry to maintain trucks.
"It may be nearly impossible to replace them, so we need to make repairs to keep them as long as we can," Gutierrez said.
The ultimate goal, Gutierrez said, is to foster student growth and success and to watch students as young as 16 go from starting the program on a fresh slate to coming out successful.
“By the time they get out of here and get a job and start working in the industry and start doing what they were trained to do, it's just awesome,” Gutierrez added.
One Legacy High School student, Itsayee Moomey, told NewsWest9 she enrolled in the program as a dual-credit through her school, due to her interest in the diesel industry.
According to the Midland website, the automotive technology program uses a “building-block approach from simple to complex skills” including operational theory, diagnosis, repair, maintenance, practical skills, shop procedures and different models of cars. The diesel technology program works similarly to prepare students for employment as a diesel mechanic, with areas of training including electrical systems, controls, brake systems, steering, heating and air conditioning, engine performance and repair, among others.
Program details state Texas employs the second-highest number of automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States. By 2022, auto body repair jobs are set to increase by 18%.