Feature: Q/A with the Dean of Engineering and Advanced Technology at Macomb Community College

Community colleges are an essential piece of the workforce development ecosystem. They train and build the talent needed for every industry, and that includes automotive.

This pipeline is what keeps the Motor City moving. But it's not easy work. Luckily, here in Macomb County, we've got a world-class educational institution leading this charge - Macomb Community College. The following is a Q/A with Donald Hutchison, Ed.D., Dean of its Engineering and Advanced Technology program, who shares how the school is future-focused when it comes to future talent.

Q: One of the key benefits that community colleges can offer is hands-on training in automotive technology programs. Tell us about your programs and any partnerships you have with local dealerships and manufacturers.

A:Macomb Community College provides comprehensive education and training in automotive technology, offering several associate degrees and a wide range of nationally recognized certificates. The college offers the GM Service Educational program, an associate degree program that combines classroom lectures and laboratory practices on up-to-date products, as well as electric vehicle system training, with work experience at a GM dealership or an independent shop with a GM-approved work environment. The 80-week program includes 38 weeks spent on Macomb's campus and the remaining weeks spent in a work environment.

Q: How many certifications do you offer in your automotive technology programs?

A:Macomb prepares students for 15 key certifications that are offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE):

A1 - Engine Repair

A2 - Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

A3 - Manual Drive Train and Axles

A4 - Suspension & Steering

A5 - Brakes

A6 - Electrical/Electronic Systems

A7 - Heating and Air Conditioning

A8 - Engine Performance

A9 - Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification

G1: Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification

L1: Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification

L3: Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Certification

Students who take the EV safety training modules are also eligible to test for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) L1 and L2 Electric Vehicle Certifications. Those who earn all the certificates in a series can take the ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technician exam, which positions them for higher earnings and increased career options.

Q: State funding for the Mobility and Sustainability Center was a huge win for Macomb Community College. Tell us how the center will help students gain the necessary skills to achieve a career in the automotive industry.

A: The state has committed $26 million toward an extensive $58.5 million renovation of Macomb's South Campus (Warren) building that currently houses its automotive technology programs. Its transformation into the Mobility and Sustainability Centerrepresents a significant leap forward in addressing the unique talent development needs of the region's automotive industry. The 131,000 square-foot building will feature state-of-the-art adaptive instructional spaces, including new labs dedicated to supporting emerging needs in the mobility sector, such as advanced drive assist systems as well as electric vehicles.

Q: Tell us about your comprehensive electric-vehicle safety training program and how it is part of a broader effort to support the state's electric vehicle training agenda, positioning Michigan as a hub for cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies.

A:The Electric Vehicle Safety Training program is an accelerated certificate program that prepares students for the SAE and/or the ASE Level 1 and 2 Electric Vehicle training credential. The eight-day program was designed to train current industry employees in electric vehicle technology, combining classroom lectures with hands-on laboratory practices on up-to-date products in the college's EV laboratory. The program starts with EV and battery handling safety before covering EV propulsion systems, product electronics and controls, batteries, and battery management systems training.

Q: What skills (soft skills, too) will be critical for the next generation of our workforce?

A:The current workforce as well as the generations to follow in the vehicle service industry need a variety of soft skills to complement their technical expertise. The college has embedded development of the following skills in its automotive technology program:

Communication Skills:Effective communication is crucial for explaining complex technical issues to customers and colleagues in a clear and understandable manner.

Problem-solving Abilities:Technicians often encounter unexpected issues and need to think critically and creatively to find solutions.

Attention to Detail:Precision is essential when diagnosing and repairing electric vehicles to ensure safety and functionality.

Customer Service Skills:Providing excellent customer service helps build trust and ensures customer satisfaction.

Teamwork:Collaborating with other technicians and professionals is often necessary to complete tasks efficiently.

Adaptability:The ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and methods is important in the rapidly evolving field of electric vehicles.

Q: What else is Macomb Community College doing to develop future talent in the automotive industry and stay on top of emerging technologies?

A: Since 2006, when Macomb established the Center for Alternative Fuels to serve as a forum to advance discussion of the then-emerging field of alternative fuel vehicles, the college has been actively engaged in emerging mobility technology. This first center was superseded in 2010 by the Center for Advanced Automotive Technology at Macomb, funded through the National Science Foundation (NFS). Current NSF funding to Macomb is supporting the update of the college's existing Vehicle Engineering Technician associate degree, which will also include a certificate program providing automated, connected and cybersecurity system training for software-defined vehicle systems.

The college is involved on the national level through two NSF Advanced Technical Education consortiums, which are working to advance EV technology and standardization for vehicle electrification. Macomb Community College is committed to remaining engaged at the leading edge of emerging mobility technology to ensure the college is training the talent that the local automotive industry needs.