St. Louis—Carstar has prepared a new state-of-the-art classroom on Ranken Technical College’s St. Louis campus. The new classroom features the latest technology geared to training automotive technicians about the dramatic changes in the industry over the last decade, as well as those predicted for the future.
“The diagnosis and repair of today’s vehicles is a sophisticated process, and requires advanced training. This classroom will allow us to present that training to our students,” said Ranken’s Vice President of Student Success, John Wood.
The Carstar classroom was recently completed as part of a five-year partnership between the Metro St. Louis Carstar Business Group and Ranken and was funded by a donation of $35,000 to the school by Carstar. It features wireless internet and e-Beam interactive white board technology to enhance instruction and the student experience. This newly remodeled classroom will become the model for future classroom upgrades at Ranken, Wood said.
"The St. Louis Carstar group supports Ranken because many of us trained there,” said Kerry Woodson II, St. Louis Carstar Business Group chairperson. "Fixing today’s high-tech cars requires advanced training and Ranken does a great job of providing their students with the education they need."
One of the initial curriculum items to be taught in the multi-use classroom is the “green,” waterborne paint technology now used by most auto manufacturers. “Twenty-five percent of St. Louis area shops have already converted to this technology because it is safer for techs to use as well as better for the environment,” said Wood.
The room is being used for both collision and mechanical technology instruction. Future I-CAR continuing education classes for body shop workers and insurance adjusters is also a goal for the classroom.
