Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Wash., was named the 2012 School of the Year during a surprise award ceremony for students and instructors of the automotive program. WIX® Filters and O’Reilly Auto Parts were two of the title sponsors for the national contest to find and name the best technician training school in the country.
Like this article? Sign up for our enews blasts here.
“It is encouraging to see the students and faculty of Clover Park Technical College embrace how automotive technicians’ jobs are evolving as vehicles become more high-tech,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “With today’s vehicles becoming more complex – from hybrids, electrics and advanced clean-diesel engines – auto technicians are being trained in new technologies.
“We are proud to support this program recognizing Clover Park as the best technical school in the country and look forward to the success of the school’s future technicians and they begin their careers as the next generation of technicians.”
Clover Park Technical College, the fifth-annual recipient of the national School of the Year award, received a $2,500 donation from WIX Filters; O’Reilly and WIX Filters gear (hats, backpacks, shop banners, stools, product samples); 200-piece professional automotive tool set from O’Reilly Auto Parts; $250 gift card from O’Reilly Auto Parts; and an appearance by Sarah Burgess, BMI Team owner and driver in the Xtreme Drift Circuit, with her 2013 Ford Mustang running the 5.0L Engine with a 2.9L Whipple Supercharger.
“We have a long tradition of automotive training at Clover Park Technical College – our state-of-the-art facility paired with excellent instructors bring a wealth of experience and technical resources into the classroom for the students,” said Wayne Bridges, automotive technician instructor. “We have an incredible administration that supports our automotive program and understands it is essential to stay on top of changing technologies to succeed in this industry.”
“Support from manufacturers and the aftermarket industry help fund quality programs for the next generation of automotive master mechanics,” he said. “The School of the Year award furthers our great reputation for outstanding automotive training and we are honored to be the 2012 recipient.”
This year’s three runners-up are Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa.; Chipola College in Marianna, Fla.; and San Diego Continuing Education in San Diego. Each school will receive a 200-piece professional automotive tool set from O’Reilly Auto Parts and $250 gift card from O’Reilly Auto Parts.
The 2012 contest received an increase in school entrants by 20 percent over last year. Of the 340 entrants nominated this year, 121 were from different high schools, technical schools and colleges.
Clover Park Technical College joins the honors of past School of the Year winners: Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colo. (2011); Caddo Career & Technology Center in Shreveport, La. (2010); Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio (2009); and Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Ill. (2008).
Have articles like this sent to you weekly by signing up for our enews blasts here.
