Clark inks internship deal with second dealership
by Rhonda Morin
Students get ahead of the curve in the industry and immediately connect with employers in Clark’s T-TEN program, but the word is also out that the T-TEN is a win for all involved in the manufacturing, repair and service of automobiles.
Clark College reached an agreement in June with a second regional automotive dealership to launch a program similar to Toyota’s T-TEN. Clark is aiming to start the program in fall 2016, though the details are still being worked out.
“We’ve gotten a lot of attention from other manufacturers and other dealers,” Mike Godson, Clark’s Automotive Technology instructor said. “It’s because of the fine work we’re doing with Toyota and the way we’ve delivered on our commitment.”
McCord’s Vancouver Toyota service manager Kerrie Keesee said that the dealership saves money by hiring T-TEN interns and graduates because there is less turnover and a need for training on the job.
“At the end of the day we get a quality technician,” she said.
“They’re like the cream of the crop, the technicians who have this education.”
~ Kerrie Keesee, McCord’s Vancouver Toyota
Godson said adding more programs like T-TEN means the college is meeting the demands of the industry and setting students up to succeed.
“It’s an investment for the college, but I feel strongly that partnerships are something we need to continue to grow and expand,” he said. “It integrates us with the community. The outcomes for students are truly huge.”
08/14/2015
