A recent PBS News Hour feature from the Rethinking College series highlights how Weber State University is preparing students for the future of the automotive industry by combining traditional mechanics with modern technology such as electric and autonomous vehicles. This is especially relevant as DeBoer's Auto will be attending upcoming career days at Newton High School and Sussex County Vo-Tech to share the exciting career opportunities within the automotive industry.
If you or a young person you know is interested in exploring this field, we would be happy to speak with you and provide guidance. With three great automotive programs in Sussex County—at Sussex County Vo-Tech, Wallkill Regional High School, and Sussex County Community College—students have excellent opportunities to get hands-on experience and build the technical skills needed to succeed in this evolving industry.
Weber State’s program emphasizes the increasing need for technicians with IT and engineering skills. Partnering with industry leaders like Toyota and GM, the university ensures that its curriculum aligns with the most in-demand skills. This is critical as the U.S. auto industry anticipates needing over 300,000 new automotive techs in the next four years. The growing need for skilled workers in this field offers incredible opportunities for those entering the industry, including women, who are still underrepresented but have unique strengths in diagnostics and problem-solving.
To learn more about why a career in automotive could be the perfect fit for students, check out our blog post here. The time is ripe to inspire the next generation of automotive technicians, engineers, and IT specialists to join this exciting and dynamic field.