HCC shifts into high gear with new Audi partnership

Aug 24, 2017

Houston Community College (HCC) and Audi of America are buckling up together for a new partnership program designed to put students on the road to careers in auto maintenance and technology. HCC students who complete the Audi online coursework and the hands-on training necessary for certification will qualify for automotive technician careers with the automaker.

“This partnership with Audi demonstrates how HCC is reaching out to the private sector to help boost the local economy,” says Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC’s Chancellor. “This agreement is a blueprint for how HCC and industry can work together.”

Students enrolled in the HCC Automotive Center of Excellence (COE) will have the opportunity to start the Audi training in the fall 2017 semester. David Vogel, Dean of the Automotive COE, says the partnership will open new avenues for the students and HCC. “This is the beginning of building relationships with several manufacturers for future growth,” predicts Vogel.

This partnership comes at a time when some auto industry experts estimate there will be a shortage of 25,000 qualified car service technicians by 2020. According to Audi, the number of auto technicians in its company is expected to double in the coming years. 

Kyle Nyeholt, area after sales manager for Audi, says he’s excited by the HCC partnership.  “We will need more technicians to service and repair our clients’ vehicles,” Nyeholt says.  “It is important to have well qualified and motivated technicians to take care of our clients repair needs.”  

The automaker will provide the online coursework and other resources necessary for students to complete the 20-hour program. “The students will get certification from Audi as they complete the online training,” Vogel says. 

To learn more about the HCC Automotive Center of Excellence visit: hccs.edu/auto