Subaru donates new car to WNC mechanics program

Western Nevada College announced a technical division rebranding initiative and a new partnership with Michael Hohl Subaru and Subaru of America on Feb. 1.

WNC renamed its technical education department to Workforce, Career & Technical Education.

“This new name – WCTE – more accurately describes the high-quality training opportunities WNC offers to help Nevadans engage in the workforce,” Dana Ryan, VP of Academic and Student Affairs, said in a news release. “To be valuable to the students and the community, programs must be aligned with employer needs so we are proud to be able to announce a new partnership with Subaru that will support our automotive technology students in preparing for careers.”

Michael Hohl Subaru and Subaru of America donated a new 2023 Subaru. The car will help auto mechanics students learn current repair skills necessary to work on the latest vehicles at local dealerships and repair shops.

“Subaru of America’s intent is to create a platform of partnership with WNC and Michael Hohl Subaru to educate and employ quality technicians with the purpose of providing a lifetime of high-quality employment opportunities within the automotive industry,” Subaru of America Zone Market Development Manager Ray Smit said in a news release.

Automotive mechanics instructor Sunshine Haupt is excited about the possibilities this new partnership will provide.

“I believe this will open new avenues for students and instructors to interact with each other as a community,” she said in a news release. “With exciting new vehicles also comes the ‘scary’ computer training. Our partnership with Subaru will help us to take the stigma out of the big, ‘scary’ mechanical world.”

For information on WCTE programs, phone 775-445-4272 or go to wnc.edu/professional-skills.php.