Wednesday marked the first transportation technology exhibition at Owens Community College, showcasing the automotive, agricultural and diesel technology programs.
WOOD COUNTY, OH (WTOL) – Owens Community College is promoting one of its programs that it says can secure employment after graduation.
“The trucking industry right now is short of mechanics,” said Toledo Trucking Association president Neil Chryst.
Wednesday marked the first transportation technology exhibition at Owens Community College, showcasing the automotive, agricultural and diesel technology programs.
300 students from across Ohio toured the facilities and met with various businesses.
Currently, Owens has an average of 16 students in its diesel program, but could accommodate 32 students per semester.
All this while the demand for diesel technicians is at an all time high in the region.
“I don’t know of any other program where you can go through an education process and be pretty much 100% confident that you are placed in a well-paying job,” Chryst said.
“Dealers and repair shops are always on the lookout for technicians,” said Augie Ramos of International Corporation. “And like the school said, there are technicians here who already have a job before they even graduate.”
That’s why a local company, Selking International of Stony Ridge, is offering to donate $ 1 million in equipment and other assets to expand what the diesel technology program can offer students.
Graduates can then already have practical experience of the latest technologies and start working immediately.
“To have the ability to go out there and get a job and perform the way we need them to do their jobs,” said Anthony Selking of Selking International. “It helps the trucking industry, and it also helps the community.
For more information on the program, you can consult Owens Community College Transportation Technology Program website.
