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GODFREY – ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½ Automotive Technology students have another opportunity to build professional experience while completing their education through a partnership with Jack Schmitt Chevrolet of Wood River.

The partnership gives participating LC students the opportunity to work in Jack Schmitt Chevrolet’s service department while continuing their automotive training, connecting classroom and lab instruction with real-world experience at a working dealership.

For Jack Schmitt Chevrolet Service Manager Colby Stellhorn, the partnership grew out of a challenge familiar throughout the automotive industry: finding and developing skilled technicians.

“We got tired of talking about how hard it is to find good technicians and decided we needed to be part of the solution,” Stellhorn said. “There are students right here in our community choosing automotive technology as a career. If we can give them an opportunity to work, learn and develop while they’re still in school, that’s good for them and good for the industry.”

Students working at the dealership gain experience with a variety of vehicles, diagnostic equipment, repair procedures and the day-to-day operation of a professional automotive service department.

The program also helps address one of the significant expenses facing new automotive technicians: purchasing professional tools.

Participating students are provided tools to use while working and developing their skills at Jack Schmitt Chevrolet. After two years of employment with the dealership, the tools are gifted to the student.

That allows students to enter the workforce with not only their education, but also professional experience, an employment history and tools they can continue using throughout their careers.

“We want this to be more than filling an open position,” Stellhorn said. “If someone spends two years here learning and developing, we want them to have real experience and something substantial to show for the investment they’ve made in themselves.”

Lewis and Clark’s Automotive Technology program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training using modern diagnostic and repair equipment. Students can pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree as well as certificates in automotive and diesel specialties. The program also works with dealerships and independent automotive businesses throughout the region to connect education with career opportunities.

The partnership with Jack Schmitt Chevrolet adds another local option for students interested in beginning their careers in our community.

“We can keep competing for the technicians who are already out there, or we can help develop the next generation,” Stellhorn said. “There are talented students in our community who can build great careers in this industry. We want to give them a pathway to get started.”

Students interested in automotive careers can learn more about the ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½ Automotive Technology program at /academic-programs/degrees-certificates/automotive-technology.html.

Learn more about the partnership and automotive career opportunities at .