Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus was awarded a grant for more than $29,000 from the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission to enhance its automotive service technology and collision repair programs.
The funding will be used to purchase a Road Force WalkAway Balancer, an advanced tire balancing system commonly found in automotive dealerships. The equipment will allow students to learn road force balancing, a specialized process that measures the amount of force a tire places on the road to identify vibration and performance issues that traditional balancing methods cannot detect.
Because many dealerships rely on this technology, students will graduate with experience using the same equipment and techniques expected in today’s automotive service industry.
“We appreciate the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission’s investment in workforce education,” said Dr. Tina Smith, ATU-Ozark vice chancellor for academic affairs and workforce advancement. “This grant will provide our students with hands-on experience using the same advanced technology found in today’s automotive industry, ensuring they graduate prepared to meet the needs of employers across our region.”
The grant funds, which were made available through Act 504 of the 93rd Arkansas General Assembly, are part of a statewide initiative to expand and modernize vehicle service and maintenance training.
“We’re excited to add the Road Force WalkAway Balancer to our program,” said Bobby Sewell, ATU-Ozark automotive service technology program chair. “Having access to the same equipment used in dealerships takes our training to the next level. It gives students valuable experience with the technology they’ll encounter in the workplace and better prepares them for careers in the automotive industry.”
To learn more about the ATU-Ozark automotive service technology program, visit www.atu.edu/ozark/degrees.
