Craig Daily Press

Craig — In November, several local representatives from the automotive industry met with Colorado Northwestern Community Col­lege officials to discuss the need for more younger mechanics to shore up a dwindling work force.

Scott Cook, Cook Chevrolet, Jeep and Subaru owner, said the situation hasn’t changed.

Finding mechanics is “a huge concern,” Cook said.

“There’s not as many technicians as there are jobs,” he said.

Early last month, the state system presiding over CNCC approved a program designed to help solve that problem.

A nod from the Colorado Community College System authorizes CNCC officials to take the final steps in preparing its automotive technology course for its August debut.

For a time, the college could have enrolled students in the program without the state system’s go-ahead.

“Pending approval, we can offer classes for up to one year,” program administrator Ed Winters said.

However, “we can’t graduate (students) until we have program approval,” he said.

The college system’s approval allows CNCC to award certificates to students in basic and advanced automotive technologies, as well as diesel technology. The latter certification area is scheduled to open in the Fall 2009.

Topics taught in the program’s courses range from suspension and steering to automotive computers. Between them, the three certifications will bring an additional 39 classes to the college’s course offerings.

The college system’s approval also authorizes the college to hire teaching staff and start taking preregistration for the automotive technology program.

Currently, CNCC officials are seeking one instructor to teach the course, Winters said, adding that the college may hire part-time adjunct instructors if enough students enroll.

“The program is space-limited,” he said.

Three sections with space for 20 students each will be offered this fall. Two sections will be open to anyone wishing to enroll, with classes in one section scheduled for weekday mornings and the others offering evening classes intermittently during the week.

The third section is open only to high school seniors, Winters said.

For more information about the program, call 824-1110 or 824-1101.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com