Rusty Eck Ford knows Butler Community College’s Auto Technology program well. The two entities have had a relationship for more than eight years now and there is no sign of that slowing. Last year Butler also launched a Diesel Technology program which is quickly gaining traction and support from industry.
Proof of this relationship became evident to the Diesel Tech students just prior to the end of the spring semester when a team of Rusty Eck Ford leadership showed up in Butler’s Diesel Technology shop to visit with them. And they did not come alone. They also delivered a 6-liter Ford power stroke diesel truck engine for them to get their hands on.
The Rusty Eck Ford team is part of the Ford program designated to recruit in-demand labor and supporting related training programs.
“Come work for us!” was the message delivered, as students were reminded by the Rusty Eck team that they have chosen a solid career path with open jobs for them right now with upward mobility, good pay jobs and job security.
And the industry is serious. According to Marcus Hicks, Ford Motor Company/Program Area Manager Ford Tech Placement Program, the auto industry needs 40,500 technicians over the next year alone. The industry is facing a major shortage.
“One of the best jobs I’ve ever had was being a mechanic,” Kyle Eck, CEO for Rusty Eck Ford told the students.
Butler students have enjoyed internships with Rusty Eck Ford for more than six years through their relationship with Mark Jaye, Butler’s Auto Tech lead instructor.
“This is one of the best partnerships we do have,” said Brandon Clark, Rusty Eck Ford Service Director. “Mark is a heck of an instructor. And we have successfully hired one or two students each year who are still employed.”
Rusty Eck Ford also provides training practices after hiring on for whatever the technician needs. That training supplements the knowledge they gained from earning either their one-year certificate or two-year degree at Butler.
Butler’s Auto Tech program is certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF), which is a non-profit accrediting agency. Founded in 1983, NATEF’s mission is to examine the structure, resources and quality of training programs and evaluate them against standards established by the industry. These standards reflect the skills that students must master to be successful in the industry.
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