CLEVELAND, Ohio – Ohio Technical College (OTC) has been awarded top prize as the 2009 School of the Year in the 2nd annual Tomorrow’s Technician/Chicago Pneumatic competition.
Ohio Technical College, a family-owned school providing technical training in a variety of transportation industries, was selected from more than 170 entries nominating 80 schools across the country. Babcox Publications‘ Tomorrow’s Technician magazine and Chicago Pneumatic, a leading provider of high-performance tools and compressors, created the contest to recognize top technical colleges dedicated to innovative training programs that prepare students for real-world careers.
As the top school, Ohio Technical College received $10,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools and an award presentation at the school, among other prizes. On hand to present the award and tools to the school were representatives from Chicago Pneumatic and Tomorrow’s Technician, and custom hot rod designer, builder and painter Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks, Huntington Beach, CA.
"We are extremely honored to receive the 2009 School of the Year award on behalf of our dedicated staff and hard-working students, who have all become a part of the OTC family," said Marc Brenner, president of Ohio Technical College.
"Our team is committed to providing students with the advanced education and specialized skills – such as our alternative fuel and high performance courses – that will help lead the transportation industry into the future. In addition to the School of the Year award, we’re also especially gratified to celebrate our 40th anniversary this year and showcase our continued investment in tomorrow’s professional technicians."
OTC won the second annual award based on their distinctive programs, specialized training opportunities, dedicated teachers and administrators and passionate students.
“The entries and finalist packages from across the United States blew us away with both their depth of information and originality in form; Ohio Technical College should be very proud of their achievement as the competition was extremely tough,” said Jay Lewis, general manager for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, LLC.
“We are excited to be in Cleveland to meet the students and instructors that have inspired us with their work and dedication to the industry.”
More than 1,000 students are enrolled at Ohio Technical College, which offers specialized training in automotive, diesel, collision repair, classic car restoration, alternative fuel vehicles, high performance and racing, motorcycles, welding and more. The school is also one of eight BMW STEP Training Centers in the country.
The OTC campus offers more than 600,000 square feet of unique classroom and training facilities in Cleveland, OH. In addition, the school’s branch campus PowerSport Institute (PSI) occupies a 210,000-square-foot facility in nearby North Randall, OH, and provides technical training on motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and ATVs.
In addition to the School of the Year award, OTC is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and is proud to showcase their continued investment in tomorrow’s professional technicians.
"We chose Ohio Technical College as the School of the Year because they have innovative programs that provide hands-on training, real experience on real vehicles, and real inspiration for the future leaders of our industry,” said Beth Skove, associate publisher of Tomorrow’s Technician. “These students will graduate, find their niche, and influence and shape the future of our industry for many years.”
The other three finalists for the 2008/09 School of the Year, Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC; Shoreline Community College, Seattle; and Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, CO, will each receive $5,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools this month.
About Ohio Technical College
Ohio Technical College (OTC) is an accredited private, proprietary technical school dedicated to providing premier technical training in the world of modern mechanics by pursuing industry alliances, providing outstanding training equipment and focusing on the needs of individual students. An Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) college, OTC and its PowerSport Institute branch campus encompass nearly 800,000 sq. feet of classroom and workshop space.
Drawing students from all over the United States, OTC offers technician training programs in Automotive, Diesel, Auto-Diesel, Collision Repair, Classic Car Restoration, High Performance and Racing, Welding and PowerSport Technology as well as specialization in BMW, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Custom Paint and Graphics, CDL Truck Driver Training, and Power Generator Systems. Motorcycle technician training is provided through the PowerSport Institute, a branch campus of OTC in North Randall, OH.
For more information, write to Ohio Technical College at 1374 E. 51st St. Cleveland, OH, 44103; call 800.322.7000 ext. 163; or visit ohiotechnicalcollege.com and psi-now.com.
About Chicago Pneumatic
Chicago Pneumatic (CP) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-performance tools, hydraulic attachments, industrial and portable compressors and associated accessories and workshop equipment. Since 1901, The CP brand has served the Vehicle Service, Construction and Industrial marketplace. To learn more about CP’s dedication to pioneering design and high-performance technology, visit www.cp.com.
About Tomorrow’s Technician
Published by Babcox Publications, Tomorrow’s Technician is a trade magazine dedicated to the education of future technicians. Delivered to key administrators at NATEF-certified, AYES and other automotive training programs, the magazine reaches more than 45,000 secondary and post-secondary automotive students and educators every issue.
