FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
781-239-2636
ecooper@massbay.edu
![MassBay Community College General Studies Automotive Technology program students and staff receive a van donated to the program from MetroWest Subaru of Natick, MA, at the MassBay Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, MA, October 2022]( "MassBay Community College General Studies Automotive Technology program students and staff receive a van donated to the program from MetroWest Subaru of Natick, MA, at the MassBay Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, MA, October 2022")
MassBay Community College General Studies Automotive Technology program students and staff receive a van donated to the program from MetroWest Subaru of Natick, MA, at the MassBay Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, MA, October 2022 (Photo/MassBay Community College).
ASHLAND, Mass. (October 21, 2022) — MassBay Community College has received the first vehicle donation ever given to its new general studies automotive technology program, a van from MetroWest Subaru of Natick. The new General Studies Automotive Technology program is designed to provide students with training from entry-level through advanced-level technical education on multiple vehicle makes and models.
“We are extremely grateful to MetroWest Subaru for the support for our new general automotive technology program by providing students the opportunity to train on a vehicle they will most likely work on in their careers,” said MassBay Automotive Technology Dean David Protano. “Our program allows students interested in a career at an independent repair facility, auto dealership or in opening their own auto repair shop, so a donation like this one is a big help to us. In return, we know this program will train students on a wide range of vehicles and help provide the much-needed support and relief to the growing demand for automotive technicians nationwide.”
The MassBay general automotive studies program is certified by the ASE Education Foundation (ASEEF) in all eight major performance areas and is in addition to MassBay’s Automotive Technology education already offered at the College. MassBay’s Automotive Technology Division is the premier automotive training center in the New England region, offering programs sponsored by four major automotive brands; BMW, Toyota/Lexus, General Motors, and Chrysler (including JEEP/Fiat/Dodge/Ram/Alfa Romeo). All manufacture-supported programs provide students with in-depth, product-specific automotive technology training. Students train on the newest cars using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. All programs have a hands-on paid co-op component, enabling students to learn in a professional setting while earning money and college credit simultaneously.
MassBay’s automotive programs have a 99% placement rate of graduates into full-time jobs.
“MetroWest Subaru understands local automotive technology programs are the future of our business,” said General Manager of MetroWest Subaru, VJ Donnelly. “Giving back to our community partners with donations like this is not only important to students, but it’s also vital to our Subaru clients. If you can’t fix them, you can’t sell them. We want to ensure we have a strong pipeline of well-trained technicians.”
The MassBay General Studies Automotive Technology program includes academics, automotive lectures, hands-on laboratory instruction focusing on all automotive systems, and a co-op program through an approved independent repair facility or dealership service department. Providing a fundamental understanding of a variety of makes and models of vehicles, the general studies auto program presents students with the unique opportunity to expand their training to include multiple manufactures and hybrid and electric vehicles. When students complete the program, they graduate from MassBay with an Associate in Science Degree in General Studies: Automotive Technology.
“It’s great to have this van to work on in class, giving us a variety of vehicles to learn on,” said MassBay general studies automotive technology student Ryan Moran, of Medway, MA. “I’m a novice to the auto tech world, but I’m enjoying the range of cars and trucks to train with. The real-world experience in the classroom, especially dealing with vehicles that have been exposed to the New England weather, is extremely important to becoming a good auto technician.”
MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. MassBay students receive an unmatched educational value by earning stackable credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready skills necessary to advance careers in high-demand fields such as health and life sciences, automotive technology, engineering, business, cybersecurity, and the humanities. MassBay’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs were both ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 2020-2021 by national nursing advocacy organizations RegisteredNursing.org, and PracticalNursing.org. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and remains firmly committed to its mission of meeting the needs of the diverse local communities it serves. We value the intrinsic worth of all individuals, collectively in pursuit of inclusiveness and prioritize our work towards achieving equity within our community and beyond