November 6, 2013 at 4:02 p.m.
Technological and teaching advancements are mainstays of Nicolet's auto program
Technological and teaching advancements are mainstays of Nicolet's auto program
Not anymore.
These days it's a trusty diagnostic computer.
The cost: upwards of 10 grand, if it's a good one.
That's according to Nicolet College Automotive Technician instructors who recently gave a presentation about the program to the Nicolet College Board of Trustees.
"The biggest change in the auto industry has been the computerization of vehicles," said Instructor Ken Duesing. "And to go along with that on the repair end is the need to have advanced diagnostic technology. We are fortunate to have that here at Nicolet. Our students are learning on the latest technology. That's what industry wants in their future employees and that's the type of training students are getting in the Nicolet auto program."
Before joining the Nicolet faculty a year ago Duesing worked for 16 years at a GM dealership, attaining the status of World-Class Technician, a designation reserved for the best of the best.
In order to put greater emphasis on teaching the exact skills that are needed in the workplace, Nicolet also recently adopted a new curriculum that was created with a great deal of input from auto professionals from around the country, added Instructor Chris Kolasa.
"That makes for a seamless transition for graduates to go from the lab and classroom to the workplace," explained Kolasa "Everything we teach is driven off the set of standards created by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation."
Kolasa joined the Nicolet faculty a year ago, bringing with him 15 years of experience working in the field, achieving the status of ASE Master Technician, and 11 years of teaching experience at Western Technical College in LaCrosse.
That Nicolet stayed up to date with the technology and teaching methods are major reasons student William Hill said he decided to attend Nicolet rather than another college.
"I wake up in the morning and really want to learn," Hill, originally from Glidden, told the trustees. "The recently-renovated shop, all the new technology, and great instructors make Nicolet a great place to get an education."
A few years ago Nicolet rolled hybrid technology into its auto curriculum and increased the emphasis on soft skills to increase students' ability to communicate with customers and colleagues.
Today Duesing and Kolasa are keeping an eye on advancements in diesel technology in consumer vehicles and the growing use of natural gas as a fuel source.
"Technological change can happen fast in this industry and we want to make sure we stay on top of trends so that we can adapt and give our students the best education possible," Kolasa said.
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