2009 Oct 02
For Immediate Release
GATEWAY CC AUTO PROGRAM ADDS HYBRID TECHNOLOGY INTO CURRICULUM
GateWay's automotive program enhances its curriculum with lessons on hybrid technology
PHOENIX, Arizona – The GateWay Community College Automotive Technology program, known for its up-to-date equipment and hands-on curriculum, is taking steps to prepare its students for the growth of hybrid technology in today's automotive industry. Hybrid vehicles run on two or more sources of energy (one is usually electric), making them less dependent on traditional energy sources and easier on the environment. Because of this unique design, today's automotive technicians benefit from learning how to repair traditional engines as well as hybrid ones. To keep up with evolving hybrid technology, the GateWay automotive program is beginning the process of including hybrid curriculum in its traditional program offerings.
This past summer, GateWay offered its first hybrid technology course titled "Hybrid Vehicle Overview." The course was taught by George McWilliams, an official Toyota service training specialist, and students learned about the basic operation of hybrid vehicles, safety practices when servicing hybrid vehicles, and an overview of hybrid vehicle design and operation. Raymond Rocha, program specialist for the Industrial Technology Department at GateWay, said that the class maxed out and received positive feedback from students and local media.
"As far as I know, GateWay is one of the first automotive training programs to include hybrid technology in our curriculum," Rocha said. "Our students learn how to work on a variety of cars, including regular, luxury, and now hybrid models."
Thanks to the popularity of the first hybrid technology class, the automotive program is aiming to offer more hybrid class options for its current students beginning in the spring. And, although a student cannot earn a degree or certificate exclusive in hybrid technology, Rocha said that instructors are now integrating aspects of hybrid technology in current automotive classes.
Because of GateWay's partnerships with carmakers Toyota, Honda and Nissan, automotive students spend 50 percent of their time doing hands-on work on cars with industry-standard tools. Rocha said that the program is beginning to incorporate tools designed specifically for hybrid vehicle maintenance. In addition, the GateWay campus is often home to hybrid and electric vehicle workshops.
"Since the industry is always changing, the automotive technology curriculum is updated yearly, which is why we began including hybrid technology into our programs," Rocha said. "It gives our students the edge once they're out in the field."
One benefit of continuously updated curriculum, especially on the hybrid technology end, is that a more diverse body of students is now being attracted to the GateWay automotive program, Rocha adds. He said he has noticed an increase in both recent high school graduates and women participating in the program.
As GateWay continues to update its hybrid curriculum, Tom Goetz, automotive program director, said that the college will offer future hybrid courses in introductory and advanced topics like hybrid safety, engine overview, and hybrid engine diagnostics.
For more information about GateWay's Automotive Technology programs, visit www.gatewaycc.edu/Automotive/ or contact Raymond Rocha at rocha@gatewaycc.edu or 602-286-6174.