CANTON -- The SUNY Canton automotive technology department recently hosted a series of trainings for the National Automotive Parts Association and Snap-On tools, attended by professional mechanics and students alike.

The students who participated in the training received professional-level certifications, according to professor Brandon J. Baldwin.

"Our relationship with NAPA has expanded, and we are now able to include our students at no cost. This added training outside of their day-to-day classes helps them become more competitive when they graduate. This opportunity is really exclusive to our program," Baldwin said.

The training program consists of five training sessions on a variety of vehicle makes and models. For many local mechanics Canton is the closest location for the training. For students the training augments class assignments.

Baldwin also facilitates training sessions with Snap-On's Verus diagnostic and information system.

"The new tool rivals some of the most sophisticated hand-held mobile computers and is used to diagnose vehicle problems and track customer information from one location," he said. "It has wireless Internet capabilities and can be used to access specific diagnostic resources as a mechanic is working on the vehicle. It even puts wiring diagrams at the mechanic's fingertips."

The devices were purchased as part of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant, which provided $245,000 to SUNY Canton last year.