Ron Cossette introduced Lee Berger, the Department Head for Career and Technical Education for the SouthWest Metro Education Cooperative. Lee and his team of automotive education instructors teach students from the high schools of Chaska, Chanhassen, Waconia, Belle Plaine, Shakopee and Jordan. The automotive education program provides opportunities for career exploration and preparation, as well as supporting the academic content of math, science and physics classes. All the automotive instructors have academic and professional experience and certifications. Their 2-year curriculum is the same as what is provided by local technical colleges and covers steering + suspension, electrical + electronic systems, brake systems and engine performance. Many former students have found employment in local businesses, such as NAPA, O’Reilly’s, Auto Pros, NTB, automobile dealers and municipalities. Funding for the program comes from grants, donations, and sponsorships from several of those organizations. The most visible of these sponsors are painted on the body of the annual race car restoration project that becomes the property of one of the graduating students. For more information: Lee Berger, 952-567-8037 or email: [email protected].
