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Partnerships Advance New Automotive Technology Program

Partnerships Advance New Automotive Technology Program

(Conway, SC) 06/15/2023

a group of people standing in the automotive technology lab

Partnerships with Automotive Dealerships boost the new Automotive Technology program launched in 2023. Representatives met for a tour in the newly renovated Automotive Lab.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) hosted the first official Advisory Board Meeting of the new Automotive Technology program. Representatives from local dealerships were in attendance to show support and learn more about the curriculum and hiring opportunities for graduates.

HGTC’s Jeff Ball, Chair for Academic and Workforce Development, has been working with industry leaders for quite some time to perform a needs assessment and develop the curriculum for the first cohort of students that began the program in February.

“Now is the time to take the first step toward a career as an automotive technician. Within the first semester, students learn about hydro-boost and vacuum power brakes as well as master cylinders and caliper rebuilding, the basic study of the diagnostic procedures used to locate and repair internal engine malfunctions. In addition, students learn the fundamentals of steering, suspension and alignment and includes inspection, diagnostics, maintenance and repair of systems, common welding and techniques/equipment used currently in trades and industry,” said Ball.

Classes include:

  • Automotive Braking System
  • Automotive Engine Repair
  • Auto Steering/Suspension/Align
  • Welding (Automotive Technology)

“Automotive technician jobs are in high demand right now. HGTC aims to provide students with the highest quality of classroom and hands-on education while also emphasizing the importance of safety and professionalism which will prepare the students to enter the workforce,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President.

Classes are subject to updates and changes due to industry/employer needs.

Representatives from the automotive industry present at the meeting, include:

  • Bell & Bell Buick GMC Trucks
  • Bob Mills Mitsubishi
  • Coastal Chevrolet Cadillac Nissan
  • Conway Ford
  • East Coast Honda Volkswagen
  • Grand Strand Nissan
  • Hadwin White Buick GMC Subaru
  • Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep
  • Myrtle Beach Kia
  • Myrtle Beach Hyundai
  • North Strand Nissan
  • Palmetto Chevrolet
  • Sparks Toyota

There are 10 students enrolled so far with room for eight (8) more for the fall semester.