Automotive Technology and Collision Technology have developed into two of the premier workforce training programs at Collin College’s Technical Campus, garnering attention from the industry and creating new opportunities for students interested in the automotive industry. In this academic year alone, the college earned an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master collision accreditation and expanded its partnership with Toyota through the Technician Training & Education Network (T-TEN) program.
Collin College has partnered with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) from the inception of its Automotive Technology program and was one of Toyota’s pilot programs for its Technical Education College Support (TECS) Elite program in the 2020-21 academic year. The TECS Elite program provides online training modules for students interested in pursuing a career as a Toyota or Lexus Certified Technician to complete outside the classroom. That program will continue at the college.
The T-TEN program goes further, connecting students with paid internships with dealerships early in the education process. In addition to multiple certificate and associate degree options, the program will also offer ASE and Toyota and Lexus technician training certifications.
“Expansion of our T-TEN program with Collin College fulfills a strong need for technicians in the D-FW region,” said Joe Myers, manager of TMNA’s T-TEN program. “Having highly trained technicians is critical to the success of dealerships and independent body shops because they are on the front line of our customers being satisfied with the product.”
The Technical Campus is located at 2550 Bending Branch Way in Allen, just under 10 miles from TMNA national headquarters, 6565 Headquarters Drive in Plano.
“The T-TEN program integrates Toyota and Lexus technician training directly into the curriculum, and we look forward to working with Toyota Motor North America to develop courses that meet the needs of Collin College students and local dealerships,” said Michael Coffman, dean of academic affairs and workforce at the Technical Campus. “Having Toyota’s national headquarters so close to our campus will be a benefit to the students and the program overall.”
There are currently 38 locations offering the T-TEN program across the nation. To learn more about the T-TEN program, visit www.t-ten.com.
In the fall of 2022, the Collision Technology program fulfilled its Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master collision accreditation – the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for ASE – by meeting strict industry standards in the areas of damage analysis/estimating/customer service; painting and refinishing; non-structural analysis and damage repair; structural analysis and damage repair; and mechanical and electrical components.
“We are truly honored to receive the Master collision accreditation from the ASE,” said Dr. Bill King, Collin College executive vice president. “This reaffirms Collin College’s mission and core values to develop highly skilled professionals and demonstrate academic excellence. Earning this accreditation signifies to employers that our graduates are well-prepared for the automotive workforce. We are proud of our students and our instructors for their commitment in fulfilling community and industry needs.”