Butler Auto Tech Program One of First in U.S. to Offer Volvo Curriculum

El Dorado, Kan. – The premiere car maker, Volvo, and Butler Community College officially collaborated in August in an effort to strengthen the auto mechanic workforce and develop a pipeline for the car company. The agreement was made possible in part by Eddy’s Volvo Cars of Wichita, serving as the sponsoring dealership, and Volvo’s Car University Program designed to embed Volvo system technology into top accredited auto tech programs in the country.

Volvo Cars issued this statement, “Volvo Car University supports local Volvo retailers in developing the next generation of technicians by facilitating training, tools and vehicle availability at local colleges and educational institutions.”

Butler Community College is proud to be one of the first collegiate Volvo Training programs in the country. Butler’s faculty will be trained in the latest Volvo technologies, and Butler’s auto tech students will have hands-on access to training from Butler faculty for the premiere technology within Volvo cars. The Volvo curriculum, to be launched this fall and embedded into the existing curriculum, will become standard for all auto tech students at Butler.

All the tools and resources for training purposes will be provided by Eddy’s Volvo Cars of Wichita. The dealership’s Service and Parts Director, Todd Truitt, headed the program and will meet regularly with Mark Jaye, Butler’s auto tech lead instructor, to stay updated on information and training throughout the program’s duration.

“I'm excited about a new partnership with a local community college, and hope it can better equip students interested in the field with a more realistic idea of what they will be facing on a day to day basis,” said Truitt.

The access to the Volvo curriculum and technology enhances the program by broadening student knowledge of luxury cars; knowledge which is typically only accessible through private training facilities. Butler’s Auto Tech Program is located in El Dorado and is certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).

Those interested in Butler’s Auto Tech Program can contact program lead, Mark Jaye, at 316.322.3257 or mjaye1@butlercc.edu.