ODESSA, Texas —
Odessa College, in partnership with the Sewell Family of Companies and Kaige Kubota, has announced the launch of two new programs, the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program and the Kubota Tech Program. Both programs will be available in the fall at the Odessa College Sewell Auto Tech Facility.
The GM ASEP Program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge essential for their careers as automotive technicians.
The Kubota Tech Program prepares technicians to inspect, service, diagnose and repair the company’s equipment. The program also expands the students' understanding of diesel, tractor and construction maintenance and repair techniques.
"The first thing it does is that it is an earn while you learn program. So, these students before they even start the program are making a livable wage, working side by side with master technicians in their chosen field, whether it's Kubota and its equipment or whether it's GM and GM vehicles," said Robert D. Turner, director of Automotive & Diesel Technology at Odessa College.
But are both programs only for college students or can dual credit students sign up for them as well?
“So, the Kubota Tech program, we are actually starting that and launching that also in the fall with the dual credit students, so our high school students," Turner said. "[High school students] will have access to this equipment and the training to become a level 1 Kubota tech. GM is designed for college students, but they have access to all the equipment and state of art stuff that GM, General Motors and Sewell family of companies have offered.”
Turner said the best thing about these programs is that they’ll not only prepare students for a technician career, but also improve the lives of some students.
“Well, it's life changing. That's the reality. And the reason why I started to become a Community College instructor was to change lives," Turner said. "You know, this is a way to kill generational poverty. I mean, $20.00 an hour plus and when they graduate, that even goes, I mean, some of these dealers are paying as much as $100.00 an hour for this. That's extremely life changing.”