(April 27, 2011 – Littleton, Colorado) – The Automotive Technology program at Arapahoe Community College (ACC) received a new addition to its training facility this week – a 2009 GMC Acadia. The new full-size crossover SUV, donated by General Motors will be used for training purposes by the 90 students in the College’s automotive technology program.

 “We are proud to support training programs which prepare the next generation of GM technicians,” said Brad Busboom, GM Automotive Service Educational Program and Automotive Youth Educational Systems program manager. “Our commitment to our customers goes well beyond building a quality product. That commitment includes quality service after the sale, insuring we fix it right the first time. Our dedication to excellence starts at the training level, and by partnering with schools in communities around the globe, we can feel confident in our ability to provide our customers with an exceptional vehicle ownership experience.”

ACC serves as a training center for General Motors and prepares students for employment in the automotive industry as technicians.

“At ACC we train future professional automotive technicians who apprentice as they attend our two-year training program,” said Jerry Viola, Director of Automotive Technology at ACC. “It is important that our students are able to work and train on what’s out there in today’s market and that they have access prevailing technology. Receiving generous donations from our industry partners, like General Motors, ensure that the training our students receive is cutting edge.”

ACC’s Automotive Technology program has consistently been ranked among the top programs in the nation. Last year, Dr. Jill Biden, wife of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, toured the department. Recently, ACC began offering an intensive training program in hybrid vehicle conversion and hybrid technology repair. Through a grant and partnerships with other educational institutions and businesses, ACC received seven hybrid vehicles for use in the training. It is one of the few training programs today to have such a wide variety of makes and models of hybrid vehicles for students to learn on.

ACC offers a two-year associate degree program that trains students for employment in the automotive industry as technicians and prepares students for the ASE certification examinations. In addition, the College offers two certificate programs - an automotive service management certificate for those interested in a job as an automotive service writer/consultant or future service manager and an electrical/electronics, engine performance certificate for students interested in a job as an advanced drivability specialist or those who would like to further their knowledge in advanced engine performance.

For more information on ACC’s Automotive Technology program visit www.arapahoe.edu/departments-and-programs/a-z-programs/automotive-technology or call 303.797.5846.

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