CLC News The news and events from Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College is excited to welcome Chris Hadfield as its new Automotive Technology instructor. Chris is a familiar face on campus. Hear more about Chris and his vision for this high-tech program.
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- Please tell us about your professional career before you got to CLC.
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I started my career as an automotive light-duty mechanic and car washer at age 15, working at a Buick Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC car dealership. As time went on, I learned more, became an ASE Master and Advanced Level certified technician, went to a vocational school for automotive technology, got trained and certified with General Motors, Toyota, and more. Next, I earned my Bachelors of Science Degree in Automotive, and got my Masters Degree in Community College Teaching and Learning. I have worked in automotive my entire life, I’ve “wrenched” at a GM and Toyota car dealership, small independent shops, and the Sears corporation. I have several years of teaching Automotive Technology at the college and high school levels, and I have administrative experience leading the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence for the last decade. I am an ASE Master and Advanced level certified technician and I have lots of training, experience, and am certified to work on electric and autonomous vehicles. I’ve written and edited several automotive classroom textbooks and am a consultant to other automotive programs in the 5-state region.
- Why is Automotive Technology a great career choice?
I remember when I was 14 years old, I came home from a career fair and told my parents that I was going to be an automotive technician in my future. After lots of discussion at the dinner table, they said that this was a great career to go into because I loved it and would never be unhappy in my job. They also said that people will always need vehicles to get around and to work, and those vehicles will always need someone to repair them. I would have job security for life, and I could live and work anywhere I wanted to. I love diagnosing vehicles and repairing problems because it truly helps others. Having and sharing the “gifts and knowledge” like that are what helps me be fulfilled in life. Today’s modern vehicles are very complex with many computers, sensors, drivetrains, and technologies – that it makes going to work exciting as new technologies come out. It’s never boring and the “same old thing” in this industry. Plus, an automotive technician who can diagnose and repair these complex vehicles is in high demand and paid very well.
- What are your goals for in the classroom and shop?
CLC is blessed to already have a great classroom, shop, and administrative support. My goals are to modernize things with the partnership of industry and local employers. The CLC shop is already starting to get upgrades with a brand-new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (autonomous vehicles) hoist and calibration/diagnostics system, and we are part way to having an Electric Vehicle safety area in the shop with lots of batteries, motors, components, and actual vehicles to diagnose, drive, and learn on. The curriculum has a balance of learning the traditional mechanical systems as well as the new electrical systems and diagnostic techniques/fundamentals. My personal goal is to create an environment where all students feel that they belong. I’m a big proponent of getting employers and students connected, and look forward to the many opportunities that CLC Automotive Technology students will get to be involved in, such as mock interviews, internships, apprenticeships, Ford factory training, and more. At the end of the program, my goal is to have every student attain ASE entry-level and Ford certifications.
- What kind of instructor are you?
I want students to know that I am supportive, patient, collaborative, love story telling, and will encourage a student to push harder than they thought they could. But I am a strong advocate of the discovery method of learning, which means that I can’t just give you the answer, but I will guide you through how to think through things to get there. Most of all, by the end of the program, I want one specific thing to be instilled with all of my students – that I taught them how to learn on their own. After leaving college, a successful automotive technician will have to know how to learn on their own, because of the incredible complexity of the vehicle and all the new technologies that keep coming out. Knowing and being an expert on the fundamentals and foundations will ensure a great, successful, and happy lifetime career.
- What do you want people to know about this program?
Things change. As vehicles get more complex and the work environment continues to change, so will the program. Today’s employers and students are different than they were even a few years ago and the program will always be flexible and responsive to that. The program will have a drastically increased employer/industry partnership component that I am really looking forward to.
