As the skilled trades gap continues to grow, it is more important than ever for local shops, dealerships, and manufacturers in the auto and diesel space to work together to support schools. It will take both schools and different sectors of the industry working together to make a difference!
Learn how Gateway Technical College partnered with WrenchWay to build a strong relationship with local industry to bring their program and students to the next level.
Importance of Connecting Students with Industry
With over 20 years of experience as an automotive instructor, William Fell and the team at Gateway Technical College work hard to craft the future of the auto and diesel industry.
However, even with great instructors, a stellar school, and a top-notch program, it isn’t enough. Skilled trade programs need support from local shops, dealerships, and manufacturers to keep up with advancements in the field and help students learn about job opportunities in the industry.
For Fell, connecting students with local businesses has always been a part of his philosophy because he has seen the real impact it can have.
“I want them [industry] to be a presence in the building… To show up so that students know who they’re talking to and recognize them,” explains Fell. “Then, when they go out and interview for a job, they’re like, ‘Oh, I just saw you last week!’”
Reconnecting with Local Industry Through WrenchWay
After learning how WrenchWay connects schools with local shops and dealerships, Fell signed Gateway Technical College up for a free account.
WrenchWay made it easy for Fell to rebuild connections with the industry that had been lost over the years while also starting to build new relationships with WrenchWay’s network of 1,000+ shops and dealerships.
“What WrenchWay has done is it has given me that connection that was lost. It gives me the ability to plan some field trips and get industry to come in and talk to the students.”
William Fell, Automotive Instructor, Gateway Technical College
Exploding with Shop, Dealership, and Manufacturer Support
The support Gateway Technical College received through WrenchWay has been overwhelming, in the best possible way.
“I was getting messages from local dealerships like Lynch, Palmen, and Ziegler. Gordie Boucher Dealerships even came in,” explains Fell. “I was at one of our high school presentations this morning, and we had Mike Cannon from Kriete Trucking there. He came in and spoke to all the local high schools in our area and administrators. During his presentation he stressed the need for technical education.”
Mike Cannon, Workforce Development Manager at Kriete Truck Centers
Gateway’s program has also received support and continued to grow thanks to several local companies like Snap-on Tools, Kunes Auto Group, and Stellantis.
Does Your Auto or Diesel Program Need More Local Support?
Schools needing support from the industry can join WrenchWay for free to start connecting with local shops and dealerships.
Shops and dealerships wanting to connect with schools can learn more about WrenchWay Top Shop memberships on our website.
