The technician you hire tomorrow may be better prepared than ever. High schools and colleges are teaming up with toolmakers, software providers, training providers, manufacturers and dealers to give today's students more hands-on training using the most modern equipment on the latest-model vehicles. Apprenticeships and mentoring programs are becoming a more important component of a successful student's education. Here's a look at some of the available opportunities.

Wired for Learning

Melior Inc. is networking with technical colleges across the country to integrate its Web-based training into the regular curriculum. These same courses are available to technicians in need of supplemental training. Simulated exercises using virtual versions of real shop tools take center stage in these courses.

"Most Web-based training consists of page turning, but we've minimized text and do interactive work with Macromedia Flash 6," said Rod Boyes, president of Melior Inc. "For example, students can drag and drop on a Fluke meter and take readings on that. We build other courses using a charging unit to test batteries or another part of a car. Our advanced courses are based on Snap-on tools."

Melior's courses have a minimum of text, and what is there is color-coded. Black type describes a procedure, red type indicates an action. The Web-based format allows changes to be made immediately instead of waiting on CD-Rom updates. Melior is also integrating traditional materials and the Web through a partnership with instructional materials provider Missouri Instructional Materials Laboratory.

"We try to make (the courses) interesting, easy to use and interactive like video games," Boyes said. "For example, if you're teaching Ohm's law in a classroom, you can have an instructor talking about amps and resistance and so forth and meanwhile, five kids can be asleep in the back. In this system, students HAVE to do their own work and test out. They can get help from instructors, but they have to master the material themselves."

There are currently 11 training modules available online from Melior. Each module takes from two to seven hours to complete. Students can log on at school, then save their place in the program and pick it up at another computer later at home or the library. A tutor button allows students to e-mail school faculty or one of Melior's experts for help.

Public and Private Schools

Traditional schools are making the most of their resources. One school taking a smart approach to acquiring equipment for hands-on learning is Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wis. Ken Kempfer is dean of the transportation and agricultural technology division there. The school has three mechanical repair and two collision repair programs.

"We work very closely on a national level with a large percentage of vendors. We send instructors and speakers to the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), meet with representatives at the show, and work with vendors to bring their equipment into our facility on consignment so taxpayers don't pay for it," Kempfer said. "There aren't many schools with three different structural measuring machines, computerized measuring machines and alignment equipment. We make some very small investments in travel and expenses to get to those events to do networking. Then we've already established a relationship when we talk to local dealers for good deals."

The school works as closely as possible with manufacturers such as General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG so students understand late-model automobiles, Kempfer said. The school also emphasizes the global nature of today's marketplace by providing as diverse a selection of vehicles as possible. They've even begun an exchange program with several European countries to learn the similarities and differences in repairing around the world.

The curriculum makes good use of the equipment and vehicles provided by the relationships they've forged. In the 25-hour school week, 20 hours are spent in a lab environment working on vehicles. Students in the two-year degree programs are also required to do a cooperative work program in a shop between their first and second year.

Jerry Johnson, curriculum administrator for Nashville Auto-Diesel College (NADC) in Nashville, Tenn., wants to raise people's awareness of private vocational schools.

"We do in 11 months what most community colleges take two years to do," he said.

Students enrolled in the auto-diesel technician course at NADC spend approximately 60 percent of their time 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. Students in the auto body technician course spend approximately 80 percent of their time repairing, refinishing and restoring many different types of vehicles.

Shop assignments are not limited to the products of one manufacturer, either.

"We believe having a student work on vehicles and components from several different manufacturers produces a better-informed technician," Johnson said. "All student shop work is supervised and evaluated by instructors with years of experience and ASE certification in the area being taught."

There is no extra charge for textbooks, uniforms, supplies or equipment for the auto-diesel or auto body repair courses at NADC. All tools are furnished for students' use while in school, and they are given a 113-piece set of Snap-on tools upon graduation.

"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," Johnson said. "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."

Manufacturers and Dealers

Manufacturers and dealers are another important source of training for future technicians. While many manufacturers offer their own post-secondary programs, one of the most touted high school level programs in operation today is Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES). AYES is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, participating dealers and selected high schools/tech prep schools. It's designed to encourage young people to consider careers in retail automotive service and prepare them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology.

AYES provides how-to ideas and support materials on conducting dealership tours for educators and students, offers job-shadowing opportunities, and takes part in career days and career fairs at local schools. Participating dealerships are asked to get involved with their local school's Business and Education Council, sponsor one or more students for paid internships, and underwrite the cost of AYES Tool Scholarships for their interns.

AYES currently has more than 240 schools on its roster and approximately 2,500 dealers supporting the initiative in 40 states. Many students who participate in AYES go on to a post-secondary program with one of the sponsoring manufacturers.

Tim Lamers is the assistant coordinator of industry education for American Honda Motor Co. Inc. Honda has its own post-secondary program, Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT), in addition to being a partner in AYES. In the PACT program, students learn Honda and Acura technology.

"Honda's training philosophy is very hands-on," Lamers said. "Instead of paper tests and answering questions, we verify that students can complete tasks and prove their skills by actually working on vehicles and fixing a vehicle properly at the training center."

Improve Technical Education With Your Expertise

If the available employees in your area are not equipped with the skills you need, the only way to improve the situation is to get involved, said educators.

"Shop owners need to get on the advisory committees or Business in Education meetings of their local schools and really get involved on a monthly basis," Boyes said. "Tell schools what they should be teaching, what needs your shop has."

A personal approach helps as well. "When you're looking for a good tech, it's better to take the instructor out for a beer than send a letter to the school," said Boyes. "The instructor is going to know better who the best students are."

Instructors and administrators like to have businesspeople around, Boyes said. Participate in programs designed to spark young peoples' interest in automotive careers. Encourage visits to your shop by school and scouting groups, or arrange to visit them. Other volunteer programs, like Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics conferences, are designed specifically for girls.

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