Coconino News

The curriculum is set. The syllabi are prepared. Classroom space is ready, thanks to the generosity of a local auto dealership.

Unfortunately, the cost of living in Flagstaff has made the process of hiring a full-time faculty member for the Coconino Community College Automotive Technology program a challenge. As a result, CCC’s Automotive Technology program is being forced into a holding pattern until a full-time faculty member can be found.

“We know this program is critical to supplying the trained automotive technicians our community needs, and there has been strong interest from students, employers and community members,” said Dr. Nate Southerland, CCC Provost. “CCC remains committed to the success of our Automotive Technology program and is grateful for those who have made their facilities available to the College to help us deliver the program.”

CCC started the program last year with the help of Findlay Honda Flagstaff, which generously donated classroom space and a service bay for students. Dr. Southerland added that with the departure of the College’s current Automotive Technology faculty member, the College has tried several times, unsuccessfully, to recruit a qualified candidate. The reason candidates decline to accept the position centers on the cost of living in Flagstaff.

“Like other employers in the County, CCC continues to experience challenges with recruiting and retaining employees due to the high cost of housing in our area,” Southerland said.

To be qualified to teach Automotive Technology courses for the college, a candidate needs to meet one of the following standards:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of Automotive Technology or a closely related field -OR-
• Any associate degree based on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) standards AND two years of directly related industry experience -OR-
• Four years of directly related industry experience AND all current, relevant ASC certifications (Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; Manual Drive Train/Axles; Suspension/Steering; Brakes; Electrical/Electronic Systems; Heating/Air Conditioning; Engine Performance; or equivalent NATEF certifications).

For candidates who are close to meeting one of the standards, CCC can give them a temporary waiver to meet the requirements.

“If you know somebody who is qualified, but they have never taught before, we can help them to be successful,” Southerland said. “All it takes is a desire to train the next generation of technicians and an inclination to explain to students how to do things.”

 Original source can be found here.