Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) and FVTC are working to get more students into automotive technology careers.

Through a partnership with Automotive Youth Education Systems, or AYES, Fox Valley Technical College is providing classes in basic automotive technology, collision repair and diesel technology to area high school juniors and seniors.

“There is a critical shortage of skilled automotive technicians,” says Automotive Technology Instructor Todd Knorr. “Cars are more sophisticated today, and there is greater technology involved in repairing and maintaining them.”

The classes are held in FVTC’s state-of-the-art J. J. Keller Transportation Center, and graduates will receive certification as ASE Master Technicians. “These days, the cost of running an auto program is far too costly for many public high schools,” explains Knorr. “We worked with principals and counselors to make sure students receive both high school and college-level credits.”

Bergstrom Automotive is sponsoring tuition costs for the pilot class of 17 students from eight different school districts. Knorr states that in addition to providing high school students with a head start on a career in automotive technology, many of the employers involved in AYES will continue to sponsor graduates through college-level programs. These employers include vehicle manufacturers such as GM, Toyota, Honda and BMW.

AYES partners believe that when students come to FVTC, they will continue their studies toward an automotive career. “No matter what, they will have college credits that can be useful for many programs,” adds Knorr.

The first-year partnering high schools include: Fox Valley Lutheran, Hilbert, Hortonville, Kimberly, Omro, Stockbridge, Weyauwega-Fremont and Winneconne.

Quick Facts:
- 100% graduate employment for the Diesel Technology programs at FVTC
- 98% graduate employment for the Automotive Technology programs at FVTC
2016 FVTC Graduate Employment Research Report