Delaware Tech Hosts Dedication of Automotive Center of Excellence in Georgetown

Senator Tom Carper and Automotive Technology Student Ronald Graham cutting the ribbon for the new facility surrounded by administrators, elected officials, and donors from the community

Delaware Technical Community College officially celebrated the completion of a 13,500-square-foot Automotive Center of Excellence (ACOE) on the College's Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown on Wednesday. This facility, along with the College's new training center in Middletown, houses the first diesel mechanic training program in the region.

The ACOE doubles the number of automotive technicians trained at Delaware Tech in Georgetown each year from 20 to 40 and allows the College to train up to 15 diesel mechanics per year.

"The construction of this facility was in direct response to a dire workforce need for more diesel mechanics and auto technicians in our state and our region," Delaware Tech President Mark T. Brainard said. "We are thankful for the generous support of our government and community partners, especially Senator Tom Carper, who are the reason we are able to complete this important project."

Delaware Tech received a $1.97 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support construction of the facility, along with $1.8 million from the state's Higher Education Fund, and $120,000 from Sussex County Council. This funding is in addition to generous support from many organizations and individuals in the state.

"Delaware Tech continues to step up and provide real opportunities for students to learn skills that are demanded in today's workplaces. That is incredibly important work for Delaware students and for our state's economy going forward," said Governor John Carney. "This facility in Georgetown is part of a broader workforce development effort that will help Delaware students learn in-demand skills, compete for good jobs of the future, and provide for their families. I want to thank President Brainard and everyone at Delaware Tech for their important work."

"Del Tech is a great example of our educational institutions responding to our state's workforce needs," said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. "I am so grateful to the Economic Development Administration for reviewing our proposal and realizing the great economic potential in this Center for Excellence. This Center will not only be an economic driver for the region, it will also keep our local students interested in learning this trade here."

The total cost to build the ACOE was $5.4 million. In addition to the government support mentioned above, the following organizations and individuals gave donations that enabled the College to secure the 35 percent match required by the EDA:

Floyd A. Megee Motor Company
i.g. Burton & Company
Preston Auto Group
USDA – Rural Development
Winner Automotive Group
Carman Auto Group
First State Chevrolet
Willis Ford
Matt Slap Subaru
The Volvo Group
AutoTeam Delaware
Bumpers and Company
Matt Kehoe
Meineke of Lewes
Nancy Jo and William Pepper
Delaware Automobile and Truck Dealers' Association
Atlantic Concrete Company

Governor John Carney and Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard standing in the Automotive facility

PHOTOS:
Top: Senator Tom Carper and Ronald Graham, current automotive technology student, cut the ribbon for the new facility surrounded by administrators, elected officials, and donors from the community.

Bottom: Governor John Carney and Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard talk with guests touring the facility.