Hennepin Tech Gifted Lincoln Aviator for Auto Mechanics Program
Hennepin Technical College celebrated a significant donation on Thursday for students entering the automobile trades.
The college received a 2023 Lincoln Aviator from Morrie’s Minnetonka Ford. The donation is believed to be the first of its kind from a local dealership.
“We’re really excited to have our local dealerships supporting the work that we’re doing at the college, ensuring that we’re putting out really high quality graduates,” said Alison Leintz, vice president of advancement at Hennepin Tech.
For students like Noah Pikus training to be an auto mechanic through Hennepin Tech’s Ford ASSET program, a donation like this helps him learn the latest technology.
“It gives us a better experience on how to diagnose vehicles,” said Pikus. “We get to have more hands-on experience with cars in school, so that when we have the same exact car come into us at Morrie’s Ford or any other Morrie’s dealership, it gives us better understanding on how to take the vehicle apart in a better and timely manner.”
Through the two-year Ford ASSET program, Pikus receives part of his training at a Morrie’s dealership.
“It’s really good experience,” said Pikus, who started the program this fall. “There’s a lot of good technicians at Morrie’s. It’s a really good shop to be in, especially if you’re learning. Because if you’re learning, there’s a lot of people there that know a lot a lot of stuff.”
2023 Lincoln Aviator gifted to Hennepin Technical College
Auto Technicians in Demand
Leintz said having vehicles equipped with the latest technology helps students keep up in their field, especially as it rapidly evolves.
“It’s not just wrenching like their dad or their grandpa might have done,” said Leintz. “There’s EV vehicles that are coming out and needing repairs so they can stay on top of that technology, so there’s never a dull moment.”
Hennepin Tech has seen steady enrollment growth in its automotive technology program, said Leintz.
“The workforce need is extremely high,” she said. “Every student, every graduate who wants a job has a job in the industry if they show up on time, they work hard and they pay attention in school to get the skills that they need.”
