February 25, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Donna Oracion, College Development Director, 575-624-7403
ENMU-ROSWELL AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH KRUMLAND AUTO GROUP FOR TEMPORARY TRAINING FACILITY
Students in the ENMU-Roswell Automotive Technology program are training in a newly equipped facility off campus thanks to a partnership with Krumland Auto Group (KAG). The space is being leased while the automotive and welding technology building on campus is renovated. The $5.9 million construction project is scheduled to take about 12 months to complete, so the program will operate in the temporary space through May of 2022. The partnership with Krumland means automotive technology students can continue their training uninterrupted.
“We truly appreciate this partnership which allows us to continue meeting the needs of our students and of our community for skilled automotive technicians,” said Eric Gomez, Automotive Technology Program director. A total of 15 students are enrolled in the program. Gomez said ENMU-Roswell is leasing the 4,830 square foot facility at 2114 West Second St. that has five working automotive bays, one office space, one training space and one classroom space. Krumland is supplying two working lifts and ENMU-Roswell is supplying the other three.
Krumland Auto Group began its direct support of the Automotive Technology Program several years ago when the company established a student scholarship program for ENMU-Roswell students to assist in “grooming their own.”
“Despite the push for higher level degrees, vocational hands-on skills training in certificate and associate degree programs can be a more productive choice for some students,” said Mike Moore, Executive Manager of Krumland Auto Group. “As the job market evolves and calls for more career and technical education, people need vocational training to make them marketable employees who are ready to work and can find good career opportunities. That is why we put together the Krumland Auto Group Scholarship Program for the Automotive Technology program at ENMU-Roswell.”
This semester, Automotive Technology student, Johnathan Zavala, is benefiting from the KAG Scholarship and Apprenticeship Program. The 20-year old Goddard High School graduate enjoys working on Ford vehicles and hopes to specialize in diesel mechanics. “I struggle with diagnosing issues and know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m enjoying working at Roswell Ford,” he said.
“The Eastern Area Workforce Development Board is excited to work with Krumland Auto Group and ENMU-Roswell on the new apprenticeship pathway program,” said Rochelle Lentschke, Apprenticeship Coordinator for New Mexico Workforce Connection. “The goal of the local Workforce Board is to help local area businesses with their need for a skilled workforce and to help local residents with training to meet those needs. This can only be accomplished through partnership with business to develop training and education designed to meet those needs that provide opportunities for continued growth and advancement.”
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