The Automotive Department received their 2019 Volvo S60 on Thursday, Sept. 12. Students have already begun training to work on the new car. Photo by Maddison Farris

Maddison Farris
Lantern Staff

Automotive technology students hit the gas on luxury car training after this course is added to the Butler curriculum.

The automotive department at Butler Community College is proud to announce that it is one of the first in the nation to introduce Volvo luxury car training to its students. With the rise of the luxury car industry, properly trained mechanics are desperately needed to arm the workforce with adequate skills and abilities.

As one of the first in the nation with luxury car training, introducing this program to the Butler curriculum is significant. It was made possible by the Lead Instructor of Automotive Technology Mark Jaye. Through valued connections with Eddy’s Volvo Cars of Wichita, Jaye sealed the partnership between Eddy’s and Butler. Eddy’s will provide all of the necessary tools and resources required for this training, as well as hire some interns from within the Butler program.

Many may wonder what makes a luxury car a luxury car.

“There is a lot more technology, more horsepower and they keep up with the latest safety features,” Associate Dean of STEM Tiffani Price said. “Most cars now are a computer on wheels, [but] usually the luxury markets are the first to go out with the newest and greatest technology…”

Not only are Volvos considered luxury vehicles because of their comfort and top-notch features, but these automotives contain some different mechanics and functionalities, which are scarcely seen in “regular” vehicles.

After speaking with Price, it can be seen that this is exactly why the new program is needed. Luxury car work requires luxury car training, and the job is in high demand. Not only will this training benefit the workforce, but also individual students. Butler is now a step ahead of the game in arming the younger generation of trained mechanics. Butler students can now get a stronger grasp of a broader field and transferable credits.

“We are hoping that they get the transferable skills and the knowledge to be able to not only work with Volvos but work with all of the luxury more high-end brands and fill a need in our market that is lacking,” Price said. “Not only service techs, but the labor pool coming up is very minimal, so they need this training and this is also an opportunity to fill that need as well.”

Jaye was contacted prior to press time, but was unavailable for comment.