In an effort to help the next generation of vehicle technicians, Dillsboro Automotive owner Darrin Sutton recently dropped off a 2007 Toyota Prius that he’s donating to the Automotive Systems Technology program at Southwestern Community College.
The early generation hybrid wil be used in SCC’s new lab space that’s dedicated exclusively to helping students learn more about Electric Vehicles and hybrid engines.
“It’s kind of a full-circle thing, right?” Sutton said. “Hopefully these young people will learn something that can further their careers, and hopefully one day some of them might come work for me in my business as they have in the past. I think the program here is great, and I’m excited to see this new space and the resources that they’re putting into helping educate upcoming technicians.”
In recent years, SCC and Automotive Systems Technology Program Coordinator David Myers have ensured that students are getting hands-on experience with the latest technology coming out on newer vehicles – including (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
Last year, a grant from Duke Energy Foundation gave SCC students the opportunity to construct and program an Electric Vehicle (EV) purchased from Switch Labs. The Duke Energy Foundation also funded a new Mobile EV Lab that SCC instructors can take to area high schools, giving students there an opportunity gain essential skills of EV maintenance.
“When our local employers like Dillsboro Automotive make donations like this, it gives our students the opportunity to learn through experience,” Myers said. “We really appreciate Darrin and Dillsboro Automotive for this generous gift; our students will benefit a lot from being able to work on this vehicle.”
For more information about Southwestern and the programs it offers, visit www.SouthwesternCC.edu, call 828.339.4000 or drop by your nearest SCC location.
