Homegrown Diesel Tech: A Partnership of Schools and Central Automotive Maintenance

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Because of the high demand for diesel technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, many experienced technicians in this field now have their choice of jobs. With the demand for these technicians and the aging of the current workforce, local governments that employ technicians can find it difficult to fill positions and retain qualified technicians. Henrico County Public Schools has decided to take a unique approach to this problem by developing a partnership between the school system and the general government’s central automotive maintenance – or CAM – to train our own homegrown diesel technicians. While other school divisions may offer classes in diesel technology, what makes this program so remarkable is that it is taught at the CAM facility, providing the students with real-world opportunities and experiences that would not be possible in the regular school setting. Imagine being able to look out of the classroom window and see the practical application of what is being taught. While Henrico County’s CAM facility may be able to hire two to three graduating seniors each year, the remaining students will be able to help fill the regional need for qualified diesel technicians.