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16 Undercar Digest 21st Century Training A look at Southern Illinois University Carbondale By Ron Henningsen Undercar Digest Technical Editor Mention an automotive technical program and most people think about training shop technicians to work shop bays, along with high school vocational technology classes and two-year associate degrees from vocational-tech colleges. Southern Illinois University Carbondale does not fit into common vo- tech categories. Although the university does train in specific automotive procedures, its Transportation Education Center offers a four-year bachelor's of science degree in industrial technology – not the typical two-year associate of arts technical degree. The stu- dents are best described as mechanical-engineering technicians. They know how to do the work, they know what the parts are, but most of all, they know how to diagnose and handle problem solving in all facets of automobile and light-truck repair and service. You will see some vehicle disassembly and specific parts repairs at SIU, but it is not a standard automotive program where that involves repetitive training, such as performing brake jobs, transmission repairs and other services. At SIU, the emphasis is on diagnostics, electrical diagnostics and problem solving. Some students do become conventional field- service technicians; however, the majority end up in starting positions of mid- to upper-level management that include field-service reps and program managers, handling tasks that might include natural-gas vehicle conversions and many other upper-level duties. The program at SIU is unique. I know of only one other program – in southern Minnesota – that offers a four-year degree in auto- motive technology. At SIU the students attend automotive classes four hours a day, four days a week, and take other classes on a daily basis. They are sometimes on campus the extra day or a half a day depending on their schedule. The emphasis of this program is to "learn how to think, learn how to diagnose and work with others." The program covers the automotive diagnostic area but al- lows students to gain knowledge in the management and financial areas of the automotive field. "Well-rounded" is an understate- ment for those graduating from this program. Although basic theory is taught throughout the country, SIU goes a step further by using new and modern ways to train and edu- cate to make students more successful. 2 3 4 5 1 The SIU Carbondale Transportation Education Center is only about two years old, replacing a structure dating from World War II. It is modern in every sense of the word. Students spend about half of their time in classroom and about half in hands-on labs. All classes include hands-on work. This is an air-conditioning class being taught to upper-level students. Note the hoist and the vehicle in place that is available when an instructor needs to make a specific point with a hands-on demonstration. The automotive transmission and driveline class is one of the most labor-intensive classes at the Transportation Education Center. Students study numerous transmission and driveline applications. Transmission theory and specific operation is a big part of the class as well. Actual work is performed when the need arises. This photo was taken after class hours. The driveline and transmission area includes a transmission dynamometer for problem solving and testing after a repair is complete. photoTech