Pictured are Bill Cole – Owner of Cole Automotive Group, Lee Cole – General Manager of Cole Automotive Group, Brad Starcher – New River CTC Instructional Specialist Automotive Technology, T.K. Shields – New River CTC Diesel Instructor, Marco Colombo – Fixed Operations Manager Nissan, New River CTC Students: Aubrey Fox, Ransom Keener, Thomas Wilson, Christian Baker, Serenity Waddell, Asher Given, Cooper Donahue, Andrew Williams, Greg Angell.
New River Community and Technical College is proud to announce the donation of a 2014 Nissan Altima to its Automotive Technology Program, courtesy of Nissan. The vehicle will serve as a valuable training resource, enhancing students’ hands-on learning experience and preparing them for careers in the automotive industry.
This donation was facilitated by Kevin Ritchie, District Technical Service Manager for Nissan, as part of an ongoing collaboration with New River CTC to strengthen local workforce development. The College is working to integrate Nissan Factory Training into the curriculum, equipping students with skills that qualify them for full-time technician positions at Nissan dealerships nationwide.
To ensure the vehicle’s safe transport from Zelienople, Pennsylvania, Cole Automotive Group generously donated its services. This partnership reflects the strong relationship between New River CTC and local industry leaders, including Cole Automotive Group’s active participation on the program’s advisory committee and support in placing students in dealership positions.
“This donation marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide students with top-tier training and career opportunities,” said Brad Starcher, Automotive and Diesel Technology Instructional Specialist at New River CTC. “We are grateful for Nissan’s dedication to our program and our students’ success.”
“We are proud to partner with New River CTC to support the development of skilled automotive technicians. By organizing the transportation of this generous vehicle donation from Nissan North America, we are providing students with the tools and hands-on experience they need to excel in their training and careers. This partnership underscores our commitment to sustaining programs like this in our community, creating opportunities for further education, preparing individuals for successful careers, and helping local businesses access top-tier talent. Together, we’re driving a brighter future for students and the automotive industry,” said Lee Cole, General Manager at Cole Automotive Group.
The Automotive Technology Program at New River CTC offers students a pathway to industry-recognized certifications and employment opportunities. This latest collaboration underscores the college’s commitment to delivering innovative, hands-on education that meets the needs of both students and employers.
For more information about New River CTC’s Automotive Technology Program, visit www.newriver.edu or contact Brad Starcher at 304-929-3318 or kstarcher@newriver.edu.