As part of a five-year $50,000 pledge by Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers for use in the Jefferson College Automotive Technology program, Dustin Dobbs, Customer Relations Manager Jerry Dunlap, and Human Resources Manager Ron Holland recently presented a $10,000 check to Jefferson College President Wayne Watts and Executive Director of Development Carol Kline during a visit to the Hillsboro campus.

Pictured, from left, are Executive Director of Development Carol Kline, Dustin Dobbs, College President Dr. Wayne Watts, Dobbs Customer Relations Manager Jerry Dunlap, and Dobbs Human Resources Manager Ron Holland.

With the need for well-trained technicians who must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques, the College will use the funding from Dobbs to support state-of-the-art instruction, giving students the opportunity to learn through hands-on lab experience using advanced diagnostic equipment.

“Dobbs has been extremely pleased with the graduates hired from Jefferson College,” said Dunlap. “Without hesitation, we know that Jefferson College students receive a high level of training and instruction that is unmatched anywhere in the region due to the excellent instructors and top-notch facilities the institution provides.”

The College’s long-standing partnership with Dobbs Tire & Auto is helping to address the long-term projected growth for technicians in the ever-changing automotive industry. After completing their training at Jefferson College, graduates are able to choose from many opportunities for employment throughout the St. Louis region.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in the automotive field is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. Through 2016, employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase 14 percent due to the growth in the driving age population and the number of multi-car families.

As one of the top tire and automotive centers in the nation, the $10,000 contribution is one of many ways that Dobbs Tire & Auto supports higher education and community development. Other corporate efforts include hiring Jefferson College automotive graduates, serving on Jefferson College’s Automotive Technology advisory committee, donating equipment and supplies for instruction, and supporting events sponsored by the Jefferson College Foundation.