Kirtland Automotive Technology Program Receives Generous Contributions from Local and State Partnerships
Kirtland Community College’s Automotive Technology Program received contributions and a donation of three late-model vehicles from their local and state-affiliated partnerships. These vehicles were acquired and provided to increase hands-on training with modern-day automotive technology.
“These vehicles bring new technology to our lab,” said Kirtland’s Director of Automotive Technology Robert Oakes. “It is important to teach modern technology in the classroom, but it is imperative to be able to go into the lab where the students gain experience and confidence by putting their hands on it.”
Opening in Fall 2021, Kirtland’s Automotive Technology program is housed in state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with everything they need to become master automotive technicians. With the additions of two Chevrolet cars purchased from Matt LaFontaine Automotive, a Spark and a Malibu, and a donation of one 2500 Dodge Ram pickup truck from Mopar CAP Local, Kirtland’s automotive program continues to provide a ‘second to none educational experience.
“As automotive technology changes, it is important for Kirtland to keep our lab equipment up-to-date. Adding late model vehicles in our automotive program will help ensure our students get the hands-on experience they need to work in the industry,” said Kirtland Community College Dean of Occupational Programs Barb Walden.
As with other trade programs provided by Kirtland, Automotive Technology stays current with what is happening in the industry by partnering with local and state industry leaders. Local partner and sponsor Matt LaFontaine Automotive have been with the program since revealing the new automotive lab, named after the dealership’s namesake. Matt LaFontaine Automotive has continued to support the program with contributions and support, such as the two recently obtained vehicles and providing current industry technicians to assist in the educational program.
When asked about their partnership with Kirtland’s automotive program, LaFontaine stated that they are proud to be partnered with the program and stressed the importance of continuing to provide highly educated technicians to the growing automotive field.
“In my 30-plus years of being in the automotive industry, I can’t think of a more critical time for Kirtland’s Automotive Program. As the number of vehicles on the road is higher than it’s ever been and with the changes in many people’s mindsets, people are making more decisions to keep their car longer and we are already seeing an increase in our shops,” said Matt LaFontaine Automotive President Matt LaFontaine, “As many of the current technician workforce ages out and we are seeing a larger number of students, especially in our area leaning more toward the trade’s vs a 4-year traditional program. Kirtland’s program is one of the most comprehensive I have seen, and I have no doubt they will continue to build on this momentum! We are proud to be a part of this program and given the opportunity to have our name on the Automotive Technology Center.”
Not only partnering with local communities but Kirtland’s Automotive Technology Program is also patterned with Mopar CAP Local, a nationally recognized accrediting group for automotive education. The partnership with Stellantis Mopar CAP Local and Kirtland were founded in 2016 before the new automotive lab was constructed. Like the partnership with Matt LaFontaine Automotive, Mopar CAP Local provides Kirtland’s automotive program with donations of vehicles and expert advice on their educational programs. Often involving big-named corporations such as Chrysler, Fiat, Dodge, and more; Mopar CAP Local further ensures that students in Kirtland’s automotive program stay current and in the know with everything in the automotive industry.
When asked about their partnership with Kirtland’s automotive program Mopar CAP Regional Manager Eric Faulman, stated that they are committed to not only strengthen Kirtland’s automotive program, but also committed to strengthen education for all future automotive technicians as a whole.
“Stellantis vehicle and compound donations, such as our recent donation to Kirtland of a Ram 2500, is not only a further commitment to the growth of the college’s Automotive Technology Program, but also showcases our dedication to the success and prosperity to the next generation of Stellantis automotive technicians,” said Mopar CAP Regional Manager Eric J. Faulman. “Without our Mopar CAP partner schools-and equally as important-without our CAP students and graduates, the advancement and longevity of automotive innovation would simply cease to exist.”
With these new additions to their fleet, Kirtland’s automotive program strives for excellence in training the industry’s future technicians. Students in the program will now be able to learn, work, and master techniques on the very identical vehicles they will see in their future shops. This educational experience, as stated by Oakes, is what separates Kirtland’s automotive program from its competitors and increases employment opportunities for graduates.
“The ability to have hands-on learning on the newest technology keeps our program and students at the forefront of automotive technology. When our students leave and enter the workforce, they have experienced the same type of vehicles with the same technology that they will be working on,” said Oakes.
