​(Santa Ana)—Santa Ana College’s (SAC) automotive technology program got a jumpstart on the fall semester with the gift of four vehicles that will be used in classes to help train skilled technicians, which is extremely critical for the automotive industry. Two vehicles were gifted by Kia Motors America, bringing the total number of vehicles provided by Kia to six since 2010. In July, General Motors Corporation (GMC) also donated two vehicles to the college’s automotive program. This was the first gift of autos from GMC to SAC.

The recent Kia donation included a 2011 Sorento mini-van and a 2012 Rio compact car. These vehicles join the following vehicles previously donated by Kia: a 2011 Sportage CUV, a 2011 Sorento CUV, a 2010 Forte compact sedan, and a 2011 Optima mid-sized sedan.

“We are thrilled by Kia’s donation of the most sophisticated automotive technology on the market today,” said Bart Hoffman, SAC dean of the Human Services and Technology Division.  “This generous gift will help better prepare our graduates with the hands-on knowledge and experience that will help them compete for and get good auto technology jobs. Auto dealers and repair shops know that our graduates come with the skills to get the job done well and efficiently and donations like these from Kia make that possible.”

In 2012, the SAC automotive technology program was accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc. (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). SAC’s automotive program serves about 600 students annually, preparing them for careers in the ever-changing field of automotive technology. The program, which has been serving the community for more than five decades, offers five different certificates and associate degrees.

“Kia is the single largest donor of cars to our auto technology program,” said Glen Hammonds, SAC professor of automotive technology. “Private-public relationships like the one between Santa Ana College and Kia Motors America are a win-win for our students. They learn to troubleshoot and solve problems on real vehicles using industry-standard equipment and the workforce benefits with graduates who are ready to deliver on the job.”

GMC’s donation of two 2007-2008 Arcadia SUVs were made possible because the college is accredited by NATEF. The GMC vehicles were brought from Simi Valley to Santa Ana thanks to a donation of towing provided by Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA).

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, the nation's demand for auto mechanics is expected to have grown about 17% from 2010 to 2020, adding 124,800 jobs. In California, the job growth is expected to be nearer to 20%. Auto technicians overall earned an average of $35,790, but 10% earned more than $59,590, in 2010, the most recent year for which the BLS has data.

For more information on SAC’s automotive and diesel technology programs, contact Glen Hammonds at hammonds_glen@sac.edu or (714) 564-6664.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which will turn 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 13,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more.