In The News

Originally Published in WRDW
By: Audrey Dickherber

Augusta Technical College has received about $6.8 million from the Economic Development Administration to help complete the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute.

The project is located at 1122 Walton Way, the former Johnson Cadillac dealership.

“This grant is a powerful investment in Augusta’s economic future,” Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker, president of Augusta Technical College, said. “The Jim Hudson Automotive Institute will directly address critical workforce shortages while creating pathways to high-wage, in-demand careers for our students.”

The renovated facility will serve as a state-of-the-art automotive workforce training center.

The institute will expand Augusta Tech’s automotive training footprint and serve hundreds of credit and noncredit students annually.

Upon the announcement, Rep. Rick Allen issued the following statement:

“The CSRA has developed a longstanding reputation as a hub for economic growth in the state of Georgia. Not only will this grant funding enable Augusta Tech to develop a Center for Excellence in Automotive Technology in Richmond County, but it will also equip hundreds of students and workers with the skills needed to succeed in our booming automotive manufacturing industry,” said Allen.

Addressing workforce shortages

“The need isn’t going anywhere,” said Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker, Augusta Tech president. “We’re well aware that demand far exceeds supply. This institute allows us to position ourselves well to address a significant shortage in automotive technicians across our city, the region, and really across this nation.”

Aaron Clements of C&C Automotive said the industry faces challenges finding trained workers.

“So many times it’s difficult to find people that’s had the training that you need,” Clements said. “You’re not able to just pick up a little small toolbox and come in and work on vehicles anymore. The vehicles are basically a rolling computer. And because of that, you need knowledge in computers, you need knowledge in hydraulics, you need mechanical knowledge. There’s just so many things, not to mention the business side of it.”

Apprenticeship opportunities

Clements said he supports creating an apprenticeship program at the facility.

“I’m strong into wanting these students to be able to come in here for like two months at a time, two or three months at a time, and let that be part of their curriculum,” Clements said.

The facility is located on a 6.4-acre site and will occupy roughly half of the existing building.

“They might find something that they love,” Clements said. “They might find something to say, wow, I actually enjoy going to work. I actually enjoy working on cars. I’m good at this.”

Clements said the institute will benefit the broader community.

“I think that it will not only help the automotive industry, but it will help just families,” Clements said. “It will help people to grow. It will help people to be able to find ways that they can earn a good living.”

Augusta Tech said no timeline has been confirmed and asked people to stay tuned for updates.