Shop owners who search local schools for entry-level technicians should give private schools serious consideration.

I can't speak for all private schools because all of them do things differently. But I can tell you how we go about training the technicians of tomorrow at Nashville Auto-Diesel College (NADC).

Our college has been in business since 1919 and we graduate about 1,000 entry-level technicians every year. We do in 11 months what most community colleges take two years to do.

Students enrolled in our auto-diesel technician course spend approximately 60 percent of their time in our shops in hands-on learning situations. They work on up-to-date engines, transmissions and automobiles, as well as over-the-road tractors and trailers, and other vehicles.

Those taking our auto body technician course spend approximately 80 percent of their time learning by working in real shop situations - repairing, refinishing and restoring many different types of vehicles.

Our students' shop assignments are not limited to the products of one manufacturer. We believe having a student work on vehicles and components from several different manufacturers produces a better-informed technician. Moreover, all student shop work is supervised and evaluated by instructors with years of experience and ASE certification in the area being taught.

Our auto-diesel technician program provides training in automotive and diesel repair including Class 8 trucks. The curriculum is split into 24 “phases,” with each lasting 10 school days. Every two weeks, an auto-diesel student learns about another automotive or diesel system - how it functions, how to repair it. The phases range from basic engine principles and construction to transport refrigeration systems. We also offer an auto-diesel student technician the option of a high-performance engines course, which provides additional in-depth training that has been proven on the racetrack.

Students enrolled in our auto body repair technicians course receive training in all areas of the auto body repair industry. The auto body repair curriculum is split into eight “units,” each lasting 10 school days. An auto body student spends the remainder of the 11 months in supervised shop situations, performing real work evaluated by professional technicians and customers.

At our school, there is no extra charge for textbooks, uniforms, supplies or equipment for the auto-diesel or auto body repair courses. All tools are furnished for students' use while in school, and we even give them a 113-piece set of Snap-on tools upon graduation.

In addition to training students to meet the needs of the auto, diesel and auto body repair industries, we make a concerted effort to influence students' habits and attitudes by requiring them to adhere to an appearance code and a strict attendance policy. We also insist on behavior that is appropriate to the workplace.

From the time a student enters our college and throughout his or her career, our Career Services department offers assistance designed to help that student/technician meet career goals. Students come here from all over the country and the world, and our graduates go to work in many different places.

Numerous employers contact us year after year, looking for qualified entry-level technicians. We host two Career Days per year, each with 40 or more different employers visiting our campus to recruit our students. More than 99 percent of our graduates start work immediately after receiving their diplomas; a figure that has stayed consistent year after year.

I'm sure all private and public schools are proud of what they offer. We at NADC take a great deal of pride in what our school offers. For more than 80 years NADC has been one of the best educational values in the country. We have a comprehensive program that turns out great technicians.

Training technicians in a private school setting works, and Nashville Auto-Diesel College has the track record to prove it. Shop owners should look to private schools as a source for entry-level technicians.

Jerry F. Johnson is the curriculum administrator for Nashville Auto-Diesel College in Nashville, Tenn. His telephone number is (615) 650-7970. His e-mail address is jjohnson@nadcedu.com.

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