Smith South Plains Ford donates truck to SPC’s Automotive Technology Program

 

LEVELLAND – South Plains College’s Automotive Technology Program recently received a 2013 F-350 Crew Cab truck from Smith South Plains Ford. The truck will be used to train SPC automotive students on new model vehicles with updated systems. 

“This is just another example of businesses being able to partner with the college to provide the best training tools available for future workers,” said Annette Sykora, owner/operator of Smith South Plains. “We hope to encourage other businesses in the community to help develop opportunities to partner with the college and build a steady stream of workers who plan to stay in the area.” 

Presently, the automotive programs at both SPC campuses use the curriculum and diagnostic tools recommended by the Automotive Service Excellence Educational Guidelines. With the truck donation, students will get hands-on training on updated systems. 

According to Gary Ham, program coordinator and associate professor of automotive technology, the program relies on these partnerships as a means to train students for employment opportunities. 

“Our students learn so much and stay up to date with the newer vehicles,” Ham said. “It will make them better prepared for working in the industry.” 

In fall 2018, Smith South Plains donated three vehicles to the college – two 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD extended cab trucks and a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

“We are pleased with the quality of training the students receive at SPC,” said Tell Campbell, service manager for Smith South Plains. “They come to the work with the basic skills in place and then they learn our processes.”

 

South Plains College’s Automotive Technology Program recently received a 2013 F-350 Crew Cab truck from Smith South Plains Ford. The truck will be used to train SPC automotive students on updated systems. Shown are, from left, SPC students Tristen Weinette of Wellington, Manuel Reyna Jr. of Anton, Anthony Leal of Levelland and Samantha Y. Jimenez-Cuello of Amherst; Annette and Pat Sykora, owners of Smith South Plains Ford; and Tell Campbell, service manager of Smith South Plains Ford. (SPC Photo/Wes Underwood)