Dealer Day Connects Students with Industry Leaders and Automotive Opportunities
The pathways are limitless for students interested in automotive careers, according
to local business leaders who recently attended Dealer Day at Lawson State Community
College.
"There is definitely room for growth," said Charlie Jones of Town & Country Ford,
one of several Lawson State partners attending the event. "Anyone who is committed
to learning, keeps up with advances in technology, and has an excellent work ethic
can succeed."
Hundreds of area high school students attended Lawson State's first-ever Dealer Day
event, where they connected with professionals and college instructors to learn about
Ford ASSET, Toyota T-Ten, and GM ASEP. Each program is part of Lawson's automotive
and transportation offerings that prepare technicians for success in the workplace.
Some of the participating partners included: Hoover Toyota, Limbaugh Toyota, Town
and Country Ford, Dobbs Ford, Stivers Ford, Buster Miles Ford, Ford Atlanta Regional
Repressive, Hendrick Chevrolet, Royal Buick GMC, Larry Pucket Chevrolet, Step One
Chevrolet, Edwards Chevrolet, Buster Miles Chevrolet, General Motors Alabama Zone
Team, and General Motors Field Technician Specialists.
The hands-on event also provided a glimpse into the automotive world of work, as students
explored automotive parts, tools, strategies for paying for school, and some of the
newest vehicles on the market. Some were particularly impressed with a new Ford Mustang
that was showcased alongside a new Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck.
Additionally, current college students, including several who are completing apprenticeships
at automotive dealerships across Alabama, shared their experiences with those visiting
campus. Industry professionals also discussed the various opportunities in the field
- from master technician work to roles in sales, marketing, and international business.
"Dealer Day gave students a chance to get comfortable with their future career goals,"
said Allen Lamb, department chair for Lawson State's automotive and transportation
programs.
"They got an opportunity to meet the employers they could be working for and to really
see the college environment. They were able to talk to teachers and current college
students to answer any questions about careers and their experience at Lawson."
