9th
Annual Automotive Careers Night
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The 9th Annual Automotive Careers Night was held on February 19, 2001 at North Iowa Area Community College. Careers Night provides an opportunity for area students to meet with others who share their interest in automobiles and to learn more about the NIACC Automotive Service Technology Program and the automotive service industry. One hundred plus gathered for the event, including high school students from sixteen area schools, instructors, parents, NIACC automotive advisory members, automotive program students, and personnel.
Participants enjoyed pizza for the evening meal in the Muse-Norris Conference Center and listened to speakers from education and industry. The college Financial Aid Director, Mary Bloomingdale, briefed the students on financial aid and scholarships. Automotive instructor, Greg Arrowood , who served as MC for the evening, expanded on some automotive specific scholarships: Ray Fank Memorial Scholarship, Iowa Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship, River City Street Rod Club Scholarship, North Iowa Automotive Scholarship, 75th Anniversary Scholarship, and the Melvin “ Bud “ Wilson Scholarship. He also explained the significance of NATEF/ASE certification of the automotive program and informed the guests that attending such a training program would insure their future employers that they had attended a quality program because it would be recognized nationally. He mentioned the opportunities available to students attending the NIACC Automotive Hub at the Clear Lake High School; earning college credit for the first year of the program while still in high school.
The featured speaker for the evening was Glen Giles, a Ford Star instructor. He explained his position as a broadcast instructor. His specialty is delivering technical instruction nationally to technicians at Ford dealerships via the Galaxy Satellite System.. The system allows for two-way communications. His advice for the students: set goals, take advantage of educational opportunities, and talk with others employed in the field. He reminded those in attendance his position is a good example of an alternate career for individuals with automotive knowledge and skills. A question and answer session generated some thought-provoking discussion about the importance of math skills.
Mark Poppe, instructor at the Clear Lake Hub, and his class had attended the Chicago Auto Expo earlier in the month and he shared highlights about the proto-types and technology he and the class observed at the show. While the students exited by group to the automotive laboratory, names were drawn from the registration cards for door prizes donated by Mac Tools, Mason City Tires, Napa , Snap-On Tools, and Winnebago Industries. No one went away empty handed because each received a NIACC information packet and a NIACC Automotive Technology teeshirt.
In the automotive laboratory, students lined up to test their reaction skills on Paul Danzow’s electronic drag racing Christmas tree and viewed the on-screen digital photos that Mark had taken at the Auto Expo. As in the past, a variety of specialty vehicles were on display to pique the interest of auto enthusiasts: Ken Peterson’s 1930 Pontiac Street Rod, Bruce Hansmeier’s customized ‘81 Chevy pickup, and Dave Buettner’s Super Gas Baretta. Both high style and high technology were apparent in the dealership display vehicles. From Lafrenz Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, a Z2 Cougar and a 2002 re-designed Explorer which is only available at 50 selected dealers, from Lake Chevrolet, a Camero Super Sport, from Lyons Toyota-Dodge, an MR2 Spider convertible, and from Price Motor, a PT Cruiser.
As usual, Automotive Careers Night informed and entertained all those in attendance, and judging from the many smiles and animated conversations taking place during the evening, everyone had a most enjoyable time. Hopefully, some learning took place!
The 10th Annual Automotive Careers Night will be held on President’s Day, February 18th, 2002.
Rob Heimbuch: 422-4155 or 1-888-GO NIACC, ext. 4155
E-mail heimbrob@niacc.cc.ia.us
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North Iowa Area Community College, 500
College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu