This fall, Moraine Valley Community College will become the first college in Illinois to partner with Nissan to train students in the Nissan Technician Training Academy.
After piloting this program with five technical and community colleges, Nissan looked to create partnerships within the Chicagoland area. Based on research of other colleges, they chose Moraine Valley.
“We were chosen because our programs are certified through the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation and for our long-standing and successful partnership with another automobile manufacturer. I’m excited for this new partnership,” said Ira Siegel, Moraine Valley program coordinator and professor of automotive technology.
A huge demand exists for workers in the auto repair industry with a high number of technicians retiring. The Nissan training not only helps fill the growing void but also helps more people get their foot in the door. Many individuals have general auto training but not Nissan-specific experience, Siegel explained.
With this partnership comes four donated vehicles (from 2016 and 2017), diagnostic equipment, parts and components, access to Nissan’s online service information, and training. Moraine Valley students already enrolled in the automotive technology program have the opportunity to participate in the Nissan training, which involves taking 12 core online training courses. Once those are completed, students can apprentice at any Nissan or Infiniti dealership. Graduates who commit to working full-time for a Nissan or Infiniti dealer for two years are eligible for up to $6,000 in tuition reimbursement.
“This offers students more manufacture-specific training and experience with the product. It also makes them more employable at Nissan dealerships,” Siegel said. “I see this as a win-win-win-win. It’s a win for our students, a win for the college, a win for Nissan and Infiniti dealers, and a win for consumers who want their vehicles serviced by professionals.”
