February 2 ,2006
FEATURESAutomotive program offers cheap fix for students, faculty
Automotive repair takes both time and money, two things the average person does not have enough of.
Fortunately, for the select few, the answer is on campus.
Mesa Community College features an automotive technology program which gives students “a hands on” learning experience and faculty of the college a discounted rate on automotive repairs.
The automotive technology program features first and second year students working toward certification in several automotive areas, according to Joe Rauscher, director of the automotive technology program.
“It’s all about the students here,” said Rauscher. “We want to give our students the chance to get some real hands-on experience.”
Each semester the Auto Tech Program sends out an e-mail to MCC staff reminding them of the program and telling them which parts of the car the students are working on for the new semester, according to Rauscher.
The classes offered this term are engine performance and advanced electrical systems.
The email that officially opens the shop to outside business does not go out until the students are ready to do repairs, according to Rauscher.
“This semester expect the e-mail in mid-February,” Rauscher said.
Inspections and estimates are free; the only cost is parts and labor at about 70% the going rate for labor cost, according to Rauscher.
Automotive students are enthusiastic about the program.
“The program and the teachers are both phenomenal,” said Larry Pearson, a 29-year-old-student enrolled in the program,
The teachers are real hands-on, they are not afraid to get under the hood of a car and show students how it is done, according to Pearson.
Pearson is in his second semester with the Auto Program, and he is pretty sure the Advanced Electrical Systems is going to be his toughest class yet, but Pearson looks forward to the challenge.
“Working on other peoples’ cars is a challenge however when Mr. Rauscher lets the students work on his car is when the real challenge begins,” Pearson said.
Rauscher not only brings his own car into the shop for repair and maintenance he brings his wifes’ car also.
“Why not?” Rauscher said.
The opportunity to work on late-model cars with up-to-date technology is critical to the success of any aspiring automotive technician, according to Rauscher.
Junk cars do not cut it, not with the increasing sophistication of today’s engines and electrical systems.
“The instructors do not want the students wasting their time working on old rusted-out relics, and while the students would no doubt love working on a ‘69 Chevy, it’s not the kind of car that’s going to get them ready to work at your neighborhood garage.” Rauscher said.
That is why the only cars students look at are at most fifteen years old (1989 or newer), according to Rauscher.
“That’s why it’s so important for the students in the Auto Program to get their hands on some good cars,” Rauscher said.
Any questions about scheduling an appointment with the auto shop should be directed to Joe Rauscher at 480-461-7156.
Volume 43, Issue 9. Today is
Photo by Ann Johnson