Real Wolrd: CC & TC Captures Top School Honors
5/24/2010
Caddo Career & Technology Center, a vocational high school in Shreveport, LA, was named the Tomorrow’s Technician/Chicago Pneumatic 2010 School of the Year.
Auto instructor Gary Weese addresses the students following the unveiling of the Rich Evans-designed trophy.
, a vocational high school in Shreveport, LA, was named the Tomorrow’s Technician/Chicago Pneumatic 2010 School of the Year.
On hand to present the award and tools to the school were representatives from Tomorrow’s Technician, program sponsors Chicago Pneumatic and WIX Filters, and custom hot-rod designer, builder and painter Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks.
“Caddo Career & Technology Center won the most highly-contested School of the Year contest yet; they should be very proud of their achievement,” said Danielle Stevens, marketing manager for Chicago Pneumatic. “We strive every year to pick the most deserving school as School of the Year, but all 162 schools that entered the competition are worthy of our praise, support and commendation.”
Selected from more than 300 applications nominating more than 160 schools, Caddo Career & Technology Center won the third annual award based on their dedication to education, commitment to career placement, and award-winning instructors and students. It was the first time a high school won the award.
Judges for the contest said they were impressed with the school’s instructors and staff, which include Gary Weese, Mike Falkner and Thomas Evans. Together, they have more than 84 years of experience in the automotive field and display a true passion for the future of their 140 students (which includes automotive technology, body shop and welding).
Rich Evans discusses opportunities in the automotive field to the Caddo auto class.
“We are extremely grateful to receive the 2010 School of the Year award on behalf of CCTC,” said Weese, lead automotive instructor at Caddo Career & Technology Center.
“The success of our students and our program wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated team of administrators, instructors, and local community and industry supporters.”
CC&TC’s auto program was the first in Louisiana to be selected by Automotive Youth Education System (AYES) to train entry-level techs for the area auto dealerships. It also was the state’s first program to receive National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) certification with a perfect score.
The auto class also participates in various technician-training contests including SkillsUSA, Ford/AAA Auto Skills and the Greater New York National Automotive Contest’s automotive, technical math and quiz bowl competition.
One of the students that competed in some of those events, James Nielsen, explained students are provided numerous opportunities through the school.
Caddo auto students assemble for the School of the Year announcement.
“Along with the level of training I received to help me acquire a career as an automotive technician, I also competed in the Skills USA contest at the state level," Nielsen said. "I am glad I had the opportunity to take this class and I have now chosen a career path that was made possible through the professional commitment and concern of Mr. Weese, Mr. Falkner and CC&TC.”
During the past 10 years, school administrators and educators restructured the auto program to improve the standards for students and improve their chances to find jobs in the automotive fields.
In 2000, with an automotive technology class enrollment of 39, there were three seniors who held jobs and nine AYES interns. By 2009, those numbers increased to 81 automotive students with 23 working seniors and 14 AYES interns.
Students receive backpacks, ballcaps and shirts from sponsors Chicago Pneumatic and WIX Filters.
Weese said the school works hard at providing a learning environment with a structure built on future employment
as entry-level technicians. In fact, Weese even encourages students to take the ASE tests. Of those who have taken them, about 60% have passed.
While Weese provides a positive and “fun” environment, the class is taught as if students were going to their job, Weese said. “Being on time, being prepared with pen and paper and having their coveralls, safety glasses and work shoes for hands-on training are all areas of the student evaluation process. Students are also evaluated on class participation, written exams and hands-on experience. Even tardiness and absents are taken into consideration.”
The attention that the school provides in turning out professional technicians has not gone unnoticed.
CC & TC students participate in timed spark plug changing and tiring changing contests during the School of the Year celebration.
“As a company that places such a heavy emphasis on technician education, WIX is thrilled to be involved in such a special program,” said Jeff Blocher, brand manager for WIX Filters. “The more students learn today, the better resource they’ll be to their customers down the road; that’s the mantra we live by, and it’s very satisfying to see so many schools across the country share in this belief.”
Caddo Cashes In
Besides the bragging rights of being named the nation’s best automotive school, CC&TC will also receive:
• $10,000 in Chicago Pneumatic Tools;
• $5,000 in WIX Filters;
• One-day WIX Filtration Learning Experience at the school;
• Trip for 4 to Charlotte, NC (Instructor and 3 Students);
• One-day WIX Institute of Filtration Technology and WIX Factory Tour;
• Joe Gibbs Racing Tour and Chicago Pneumatic tool demonstration; and
• Chicago Pneumatic and WIX Filters gear.
Three Finalists
The other three finalists for the 2010 School of the Year were: Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, CO; Spokane Community College, Spokane, WA; and Carroll County Career & Technology Center, Westminster, MD. Each of these schools will each receive $5,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools, $2,500 in WIX Filters and other prizes.