7/16/09

LRCC Offers New Automotive Program

Photo: LRCC automotive students, Nicholas Therberge (Franklin-left), and Steve Lambert (Portsmouth-right), carefully reassemble a 6.6 liter Duramax diesel engine during class. The Duramax uses the latest in diesel technology and is an example of the technology to be taught in the new LRCC automotive track.

Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) is offering a new automotive technology option for the fall of 2009. The new track,a General Associate Degree in Automotive Technology will not require GM dealer sponsorship to enroll.

"The new Automotive Technology track at LRCC will include extensive hands-on training in the service, diagnoses and repair of complex integrated systems used on today’s vehicles," says LRCC Automotive Department Chair, Michael Parker (N. Sandwich), a well-known automotive technology education leader on the post-secondary level since 1991. "The new track provides a significant opportunity for additional growth of LRCC’s automotive department and the new online classes add yet another opportunity for people who cannot take classes during the day, those employed full-time. We are excited to expand the College’s offerings."

One of the most significant differences in the new track is the final semester’s course entitled Advanced Technology Systems which will deal with hybrid, electric, and fuel cell technologies. "The waves of the future are in these new green technologies," continues Parker. "Students will be introduced to the technologies and the safe diagnosis and maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles."

Three new automotive instructors will be added to LRCC’s automotive team for the General Associate Degree. They are Scott Christi (Epsom), Jim Hughes (Laconia), and Derek Lavin (Pembroke). LRCC Lab Instructor, Dave Perkins (Center Harbor), will be expanding further into the teaching realm with LRCC’s new automotive track. Christi teaches and does curriculum development for the United States Army Reserve. Hughes is an entrepreneur who owns Hughes Automotive in Laconia. Lavin, a 2004 graduate of LRCC’s GM ASEP Program, is employed with Quirk Chevrolet Buick in Manchester. Perkins, a former dealership owner and service department manager, is a long-term supporter of automotive education statewide and has been with the College for a number of years. Combined, the new LRCC Instructors have more than 100 years experience in the automotive field.

"The new automotive track will provide individuals the skills they need to work in a range of automotive areas with earning potentials ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 annually," says Parker. "Enormous earning potential will be present in the highly sophisticated automotive profession for many years to come."

For additional information on LRCC’s new automotive track, contact Parker at 524-3207 ext. 741. One may also contact LRCC Admissions Director, Wayne Fraser (Alton), at ext. 766.