Delaware Tech dedicates automotive center
Local and state officials joined U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and Gov. John Carney Oct. 13 to celebrate completion of the $5.4 million, 13,500-square-foot Automotive Center of Excellence on the Delaware Technical Community College Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown. This facility, along with the college’s new training center in Middletown, houses the first diesel mechanic training program in the region.
The center doubles the number of automotive technicians trained at Delaware Tech each year from 20 to 40 and allows the college to train up to 15 diesel mechanics a year.
“The construction of this facility was in direct response to a dire workforce need for more diesel mechanics and auto technicians in our state and our region,” said Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard.
Delaware Tech received a $1.97 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to support facility construction, along with $1.8 million from the state’s Higher Education Fund and $120,000 from Sussex County Council. This funding is in addition to support from many organizations and individuals.
Automotive dealerships and businesses throughout the state provided donations toward the 35 percent match required for the federal grants.
Brainard had special accolades for Carper, who worked to secure the federal grant. “We wouldn't be here without Sen. Carper and his hard work,” he said.
“Del Tech is a great example of our educational institutions responding to our state’s workforce needs,” Carper said.
Carper said he's continually been confronted by automotive business owners saying they can't find qualified workers. “We went to work on it, and the result was formation of some great partnerships we are here to celebrate today,” he said.
Carney said he was first made aware of the great need for diesel mechanics 10 years ago during a job fair. “You can't believe how excited I am to be here today,” he said.
He noted that the Student Excellence Equals Degree program at Delaware Tech now includes full tuition for credit and non-credit programs leading to an academic credential or associate degree, including short-term certificate programs in areas such as diesel technology.
Automotive student Ronald Graham, a 2019 Polytech High School graduate, spoke on behalf of students enrolled at the center. He said he works at a local Chevrolet dealership, but can't work on diesel vehicles. “Now, I'm working toward the most top-tier technician Chevrolet has. With this program, great technicians will be made,” he said.
Labor market data indicate more than 3,000 automotive technicians and more than 800 diesel mechanics are employed across Delmarva with average annual earnings of $39,874 and $44,595, respectively. Over the next 10 years, the region is projected to have 3,278 openings for automotive technicians due to retirements, job turnover and a 7 percent growth rate. Nearly 950 job openings are expected for diesel mechanics in the same period.
