NORFOLK – The Ford dealership in Norfolk has donated a vehicle to Northeast Community College for student learning purposes. Courtesy Ford-Lincoln has donated the 2009 program car to be used in two College programs.

“It is our pleasure to provide a car to the automotive and auto body technology programs at the college. Anytime we can help young people pursue their career, we are always happy to help,” said Darrel Novacek, owner of Courtesy Ford-Lincoln.

Lyle Kathol, dean of applied technology at Northeast, said Northeast Community College previously received new autos from the Chrysler, Ford and General Motors corporations to support its programs; however, that program was discontinued in 2008 and the College programs have had to rely more heavily on older vehicles in its fleet.

“Since that time, automotive technology has grown ten-fold, making the need for new vehicles for students in their studies even more important. The average new car has more than 20 computers in it and the repairs are much more costly,” Kathol said. “Students need to have access to the newest vehicles to get trained on how to repair them and keep costly mistakes to a minimum.”

In accepting the vehicle from Novacek, Dr. Michael Chipps, Northeast president, said, “We are grateful to Courtesy Ford-Lincoln’s willingness to work with our automotive and auto body technology programs. It is a wonderful example of how Northeast can partner with our local employers. It not only benefits the dealership, but our faculty and students reap the education training opportunities as well.”

Chipps said it is important for Northeast faculty and students to have newer model vehicles in the labs. “This will allow our students to be well trained to work on these vehicles once they leave Northeast and become employed at places such as Courtesy Ford-Lincoln.”

Novacek said there are many ways to learn, including books, webcasts and videos, but hands-on training is a very valuable tool. “As automobiles become more sophisticated with technology, actual cars to train on are needed for the students to learn. There is, and always will be, a need for trained automobile technicians. We wish each student the very best as they pursue their career in becoming a certified automobile technician.”

This won’t be the last of car donations to Northeast programs. “Northeast is working with several local car dealerships to secure an ongoing rotation of vehicles for the purpose of providing education to our students,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs.