Public Information Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE:            September 5, 2006

CONTACT:   Donna Myers, (206) 546-4717 

New ATCO website supports
technology-based careers in automotive industry 

Shoreline, WA — A new website has been launched to help reverse a serious decline in the number of automotive workers across the state of Washington.  The new ATCO (Automotive Training & Career Opportunities) website, located at www.shoreline.edu/atco, provides information on technology-based automotive and automotive technology training programs (including pathways and career ladders) and career options in automotive sales and service throughout the state.  The site was created as part of the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in expanding industries of the U.S. economy.

            High school students interested in cars will find information about the high school AYES (Automotive Youth Education System) program, and college students will find links to college automotive programs (short-term and two-year) that will prepare them for high-demand, high-paying jobs in industry.  The website provides links to all Washington state colleges currently offering automotive technical training and certification programs.  Links are also provided to the U.S. Dept. of Labor web site for automotive service technician and mechanic employment opportunities, job outlook, and more.  Parents, career counselors, job seekers, and employers will all find the website helpful. 

            The site also provides information about the new short-term entry-level General Services Technician (GST) Training Program offered at Shoreline Community College (SCC) and job opportunities.  The GST is an introductory technical training program designed to prepare students who might not otherwise have access to such training – such as at-risk youth and those with Limited English Proficiency – for entry-level positions in the automotive industry.  Students who complete this program meet ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) standards, preparing them in less than a year’s time to work with skilled technicians in industry, earning between $9.50 and $14.50 an hour. 

            GST Training Pilot Program Manager, Matt Houghton explains, "The GST classes offered at Shoreline are specifically designed for those non-traditional students who want to enter the work force quickly and begin a lucrative career."  Houghton added, "Students interested in this short-term training may also be eligible for many financial aid options."

            For more information, contact Matt Houghton at mhoughto@shoreline.edu or at (206) 546-4695.

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