On Aug. 26, Noblesville Schools announced the creation of a new automotive technician training program in collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College and Hare Chevrolet.
The two-year program provides Noblesville High School students the opportunity
to get hands-on automotive technical training on-site at the new Hare Truck Center technician lab while earning dual credit at both NHS and Ivy Tech.
Students will pursue coursework in basic automotive repair, electrical systems, engine repair and brakes.
“We offer our students a variety of different college and career paths and this new program, with its focus on real-world learning, is a perfect addition,” said Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, superintendent of Noblesville Schools.
“Ivy Tech is preparing students for today’s workforce by giving them skills and knowledge in in-demand fields,” said Dr. Kathleen Lee, chancellor of Ivy Tech Central Indiana.
The program is being funded through a State of Indiana Manufacturing, Automotive and Construction (MAC) grant that was awarded to the parties earlier this year. Hare Truck Center is donating lab space and tools for the program. The automotive technician field is designated as a high-demand and high-wage industry and the state supports education efforts in the field through its Career and Technical Education funds.
This initial year’s program will be a mixed group of juniors and seniors, but in future years juniors will be the main audience for the year one curriculum and seniors for the year two curriculum. This will allow students to complete two years of training coursework prior to graduation, earning credits toward an associate degree in Automotive Technology at Ivy Tech in the process.
The training will be similar to other current NHS technical programs being offered, where students complete core classes at the high school in the morning and then participate in off-site training in the afternoon.
