SUNY Canton Automotive Students Receive Professional-Level Training and Certification

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Pictured are SUNY Canton Automotive Technology students Christopher R. White of Westport, and Travis E. Legacy of Malone working with one of the Snap-On VERUS diagnostic tools.

CANTON, NY (04/11/2013)(readMedia)-- Professional mechanics work side by side with SUNY Canton students to learn the latest technology in the automotive industry.

The Automotive Technology department hosts a series of trainings for the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) and Snap-On tools, according to Brandon J. Baldwin, an assistant professor in the program. He said the very first class of students recently completed the training and received professional-level certification.

"We offer the NAPA and Snap-On diagnostic trainings for area mechanics," Baldwin said. "Our relationship with NAPA has expanded, and we are now able to include our students at no cost. This added training outside of their day-to-day classes helps them become more competitive when they graduate. This opportunity is really exclusive to our program."

The NAPA training program consists of five training sessions on a variety of vehicle makes and models. For many mechanics, Canton is the closest option to participate in the six training sessions. For students, the hands-on trainings augment their in-class assignments.

Baldwin also facilitates training sessions with Snap-On's VERUS [sic] Diagnostic and Information System. "The new tool rivals some of the most sophisticated hand-held mobile computers and is used to diagnose vehicle problems and track customer information from one location," Baldwin said. "It has wireless Internet capabilities and can be used to access specific diagnostic resources as a mechanic is working on the vehicle. It even puts wiring diagrams at the mechanic's fingertips."

The assistant professor said students and mechanics have access to 6 of the tools, which cost almost $10,000 each. The computerized devices were purchased as part of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant. Last year, the Grant provided $245,000 in educational resources for SUNY Canton students.

SUNY Canton offers a variety of career-driven bachelor's degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. In the past year, the College added two new bachelor's degrees and expanded its facilities with a new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. The College's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers flexible and convenient online courses and programs. The College's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III as well as the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-