Shoreline Community College’s General Service Technician program is now an official pilot school of Subaru University, a training program launched by Subaru of America in 2016. Subaru University is a partnership program combining the talent and resources of Subaru of America, its 600+ retailers nationwide, and select NATEF/AYES accredited Secondary and Post-Secondary schools to provide knowledge of Subaru vehicles and systems to prepare students for possible future employment at Subaru retailers.
This is the first automotive manufacturer-sponsored partnership added to the College since the Chrysler CAP program was developed in the mid-1990s. Subaru joins Chrysler, Toyota, GM, and Honda as automotive manufacturer partners at Shoreline.
“We are excited that Subaru University chose Shoreline as one of their pilot schools for this program,” said Mark Hankins, General Service Technician program faculty and coordinator. “We believe Subaru’s selection of Shoreline reflects both the high demand for Subaru automotive technicians in the greater Seattle area as well as the quality reputation of the College’s automotive programs.”
Subaru is an in-demand brand, both nationwide and in the Pacific Northwest. According to James Purnas, director of Subaru’s Northwest Zone in Portland, OR, the manufacturer has experienced eight years of continuous sales growth, even through the 2008 recession.
“This partnership adds up to a win, win for our students, the College, and Subaru and will provide our students with an opportunity for employment with a successful and growing company,” said Hankins. “Subaru is on the cutting edge of technology contributing to low emission and fuel-efficient cars, along with the promise of autonomous driving vehicles, and it’s exciting that we can get started offering instruction on these systems to our students.”
In spring of 2017, Subaru donated two Forester and one WRX models to the College for use in instruction. These vehicles represent the latest in automotive technology, including direct injection, turbo-charged engines and Subaru’s EyeSight system, a collision avoidance and active cruise control system. As students learn using these vehicles, replacement parts and upkeep costs will be fully supported by Subaru.
Students currently have access to Subaru’s online skills training system, and as the program at Shoreline develops, students will earn credit in Subaru electrical systems, brake and suspension systems, and engine technology courses and will leave the General Service Technician program with excellent exposure to Subaru technology and a strong fundamental base to build their future skill development and experience.
Subaru University came to the College with strong support from our local dealership, Carter Subaru, the largest retailer of Subaru automobiles on the west coast. Dozens of Shoreline alumni have found jobs at Carter Subaru, and the dealership has provided component donations and leadership on the GST advisory committee.
Interested in a future as an automotive technician? Learn more about Shoreline’s General Service Technician program.