Auto Program Earns a Top Four Spot in National Competition
November 1, 2016
Lake Area Technical College’s Automotive Technology program finished with a top four place in the 2016 School of the Year competition sponsored by WIX Filters and O’Reilly Auto Parts, partners with Tomorrow’s Tech magazine. Of the 140 entries for this year’s contest, 60 were from different high schools, technical schools and colleges in four geographic regions of the United States.
Brad Herding, department supervisor for the LATI Automotive Tech program, said he was notified this fall that LATI was in the running. “When we found out we made the top 20 list, our next step was to submit a video highlighting our auto program,” he said. “After the video was submitted, we were thrilled to learn we made the Top 4!”
Eventually, Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Missouri, earned the top spot, but Herding said being recognized as one of the top automotive programs in the country is a remarkable honor.
“This is a great testament to Lake Area Technical College’s commitment to offer students a top-notch experience in the automotive technology field,” Herding said. “Students choose our program because they gain practical, real-world experience working in an actual auto repair shop every day using the latest training aids. Students encounter the same challenges and opportunities here that they’ll eventually experience on the job.”
“Tomorrow’s Tech shares O’Reilly Auto Parts’ and WIX Filters’ support to recognize automotive schools and highlight the training of these promising auto repairers, collision specialists and heavy-duty service personnel,” said Jennifer Clements, editor of Tomorrow’s Tech, a Babcox Media publication for automotive students. “We are continually impressed by the caliber of training these schools are providing, and we look forward to honoring the best of the best.”
Each nominated school received national recognition in Tomorrow’s Tech print and online editions, as well as through social media channels. Schools selected to the final four received a professional automotive tool set and a $250 gift card from O’Reilly Auto Parts.
