Originally published by BR Proud.
"BRCC is immensely proud to add The McKay Automotive Training Center to its family of educational sites. The eloquent design of the facility, along with the faculty and degree programs promise to provide the Baton Rouge community with trained and effective future leaders in automotive technology. We look forward to the economic growth and development the ATC will provide to the state, city, and surrounding community," said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib. "BRCC is also tremendously grateful to everyone who supported this initiative, including Governor John Bel Edwards, the state legislature, the McKay Family, the Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority, and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation."
The ATC is an 83,000 square feet state-of-the-art training facility with two fully equipped diesel labs, three industry standard diagnostic/technical labs, six high-tech classroom environments, and a 100-seat auditorium. Located in Ardendale, a 200-acre urban village that mixes homes, offices and education centers in an idyllic setting of parks and ponds, BRCC's $25 million ATC is the centerpiece of the newly-minted area.
"To have this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility bear our father's name is an honor for our entire family," said Matt McKay, President & CEO All Star Automotive Group. "Today brings things full circle. Our father was an educator for 30 years in the East Baton Rouge School System, and his first teaching job was at Melrose Elementary School, right down the street. Now his name will forever hang on the walls here at the Automotive Training Center."
McKay added, "There are a lot of people who made this a reality. I'd like thank both Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. John Bel Edwards for the initial and ongoing support of this project, as well as the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, and many others. None of this would be possible without each of them - my family and I are truly appreciative."
The purpose of Automotive Technology program is to provide specialized classroom instruction and practical shop experience to prepare individuals to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles at the entry level. The program, which offers two Associate of Applied Science degree options in Automotive Technology and Diesel Heavy Truck Technology, prepares the individual to select, safely use, and maintain hand and power tools, jacks, and hoisting equipment. Instruction in the diagnosis of malfunctions and the repair of engines; fuel, electrical, cooling, and brake systems; drive train; and suspension systems are included.
"Congratulations to our automotive industry partners, Baton Rouge Community College, and the North Baton Rouge community on the grand opening of a world-class workforce training facility. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this facility a reality. Specifically, I want to thank the Governor, the legislature, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the local automotive industry led by the All Start Automotive Group, and the Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority for their support," said LCTCS President Dr. Monty Sullivan. "This facility represents another public-private partnership, which has been instrumental in our ability to respond to workforce demands. While we celebrate a new facility, today is truly about the students today and for years to come who will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to go to work in the automotive industry and make a living for themselves and their families right here in Baton Rouge."
Individuals interested in enrolling in the Automotive Technology Program can visit www.mybrcc.edu or call 225-216-8339.