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SUNY Canton anounces new Subaru technician training center

Posted 8/24/12

The announcement of the new public-private partnership in SUNY Canton’s Automotive Laboratories drew more than 50 guests. The labs showcased the latest model Subaru vehicles. CANTON -- Subaru …

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SUNY Canton anounces new Subaru technician training center

Posted

The announcement of the new public-private partnership in SUNY Canton’s Automotive Laboratories drew more than 50 guests. The labs showcased the latest model Subaru vehicles.

CANTON -- Subaru Distributors Corporation has made SUNY Canton its newest corporate training center.

The announcement was made today at an open house at the college.

Subaru and area dealers will be contributing approximately $500,000 in tools, diagnostic equipment, and brand new cars to the College over the next five years to facilitate the partnership.

"I commend Subaru Distributors Corp. and North Country Subaru Dealers for recognizing the strength of the SUNY system and SUNY Canton's state-of-the-art and newly renovated Automotive Laboratory," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in a letter to the college.

Through the new partnership, automotive technology students can become certified to work with Subaru. A third of the Subaru dealers in New York can send their technicians for training at SUNY Canton, saving the company money on travel to more distant training centers.

"The SUNY Canton Subaru Training Center will be an inspiration for our automotive technology students and will be an example of the value of our partnerships for other corporations," said Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. "The training center will significantly impact our students' educational opportunities, as well as increase the prestige of our automotive technology program."

The partnership was first formed when automotive assistant professor Brandon Baldwin was introduced to Barry Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp. Wells graduated from SUNY Canton in 1975, and earned a second degree from the college in 2010.

According to Baldwin, students who complete the training will be exposed to the latest in automotive technology. "Subaru will give them an added edge as they begin their career search," he said.

Wells pointed out that the collaboration is a great investment from Subaru's perspective, because students who complete the training and go on to work for the company will already have the specific skills, saving dealerships thousands of dollars.

Auto dealerships in attendance included Barstow Subaru in Potsdam, Fuccillo Subaru in Watertown, and Bill McBride Subaru in Plattsburgh.