Omaha-based Jensen Tire & Auto is finding success in identifying and attracting new employees from a larger pool being trained by an industry-specific program operated by Metropolitan Community College. Jensen Tire & Auto operates 21 service locations in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa and plans to open two additional stores in the next 18 months. […]
Omaha-based Jensen Tire & Auto is finding success in identifying and attracting new employees from a larger pool being trained by an industry-specific program operated by Metropolitan Community College. Jensen Tire & Auto operates 21 service locations in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa and plans to open two additional stores in the next 18 months.
According to Scott Henry, MCC automotive outreach specialist, the recently inked agreement with Jensen Tire & Auto comes at a crucial time for the 49-year-old family-owned firm. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there will be about 69,000 openings annually for automotive service technicians and mechanics. Highly trained workers are needed to replace those transferring occupations or exiting the labor force.
Henry, a native of Hastings who remembers as a teen dismantling much of his ‘77 Chevy Malibu, is confident that entering the second year with his MCC stint will build on what’s already been accomplished.
He’s met with more than 500 students in high school engine technology classes and at career day opportunities at dozens of middle schools in a four-county service area.
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Top-notch Facilities
“Important in the presentation is our new Automotive Training Center on our South Omaha campus which is designed to train highly skilled workers for a variety of roles in the automotive industry,” he said about the $32 million, 100,000-square-foot building completed last year. Housed in the facility are the auto collision technology and automotive programs, in addition to a Toyota T-Ten program. Overall, Henry said the two-floor, LEED v4 Silver-certified facility is well-outfitted with state-of-the-art industry labs, classrooms and convertible study spaces. “We utilize imagery for our visitors to think about and do something creative,” Henry said. “Students studying our area on our campus build a camaraderie and students working on cars form a learning community.”