To meet the increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the workforce, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) announces the launch of the Honda PACT program. As the first and only college to offer the program in the state, OCCC and the Honda PACT Program will give Oklahoma City automotive technicians an advantage in the industry.
The two-year Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) program offers students seeking a career within the automotive field the opportunity to “earn while you learn,†allowing full-time students to earn full-time wages while working toward their associate degree. As part of the program, students learn how to maintain, diagnose, and repair two of the world’s most popular brands of automobiles – Honda and Acura. Graduates earn ten Honda and Acura certifications taught by Honda certified instructors and have the ability to earn eight ASE certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to achieve Master Automobile Technician.
“The Honda PACT program is a workforce development program that provides students with hands-on experience and knowledge required by the industry, while also providing an income,†says OCCC President Jerry Steward. “We are proud to offer our students opportunities that create a prosperous future for themselves and their families, while strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce force with highly skilled graduates.â€
Honda PACT students study electrical fundamentals, engines, steering and suspension, and more, teaching them the standards, operations, and procedures used at Honda and Acura dealerships.
“The Honda PACT program allows us to offer our students another great option that effectively prepares them for a career in automotive technology,†says Brad Walker, OCCC professor of automotive technology. “There is a large demand for certified Honda and Acura technicians, and being the only college in the state offering the program, Honda and Acura dealers will look to OCCC to fill the need.â€
To celebrate the launch of the program, a reception will be held Thursday, November 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the OCCC Professional Development Institute. Honda officials, members of the Board of Regents, college faculty and staff, and special guests will be in attendance.
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 60 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.
