New program offers students an automotive career path

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (VBRK) – West Alabama Community College has entered into a partnership with a major auto manufacturer that could open up opportunities for students to work at car dealerships across the country.

It could also help the company, which faces an aging workforce, some say.

Shelton State Community College has reached an agreement with American Honda Manufacturing to become a regional training center for the Honda dealer network.

The program is called the Honda PACT Program. PACT stands for Professional Automotive Apprenticeship Training.

It offers state-of-the-art automotive technician training that allows students to become certified Honda and Acura technicians.

Students are also required to complete an internship at a Honda or Acura dealership in their area.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to work at any of these dealerships across the country.

“Most of the technicians who work there are quickly approaching retirement age, and they simply need to be replenished with people who can continue to work. And technology changes,” explained Mike Hobson, director of automotive and diesel education programs at Shelton State Community College.

Hobson says two dealerships in the area have already contacted him about the Honda PACT program.

This region includes Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and parts of Florida.

Receive news alerts on Apple App Store And Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter Here.