Navistar is implementing its International Truck and IC Bus Uptime Academy, a 12-month technician apprenticeship program that offers paid, hands-on training in a real-world setting. The new program presents a 90-day dealership rotation to on-the-job class assignments. Students work with multiple vehicle types, including electric and fuel cell technologies. On top of 3,200 hours of on-the-job training, students receive 800 hours of classroom time and lab work, a journeyman toolbox, laptop and Navistar mentor.
West Michigan International Service Manager Jason Carley oversees Uptime Academy apprentice Andrew Langeland and his technician mentor Jay Schick. Carley has seen firsthand the knowledge and skills Langeland has gained and considers him a major asset to the Western Michigan International service center, the company says
To further aid technician education, dealers from around the U.S. have donated equipment to local colleges and technical programs through the TECH EmPOWERment initiative. The program supplies accredited technical schools with equipment, real-world advisory counsel and prospects for aspiring technicians.
Recent donations by International truck dealers include:
- San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas by Kyrish Truck Centers
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis, Tennessee by Landmark Trucks
- Laramie County Community College in Laramie, Wyoming by McCandless International of Cheyenne
- Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin by Mid-State Truck Service Inc.
- Wexford Missaukee Career Technical Center in Cadillac, Michigan by Zeremba Equipment Inc.
- Johnsburg High School in Johnsburg, Illinois by Rush Truck Center of Huntley
- Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Sandersville, Georgia by Rush Truck Center of Macon
- Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia by Rush Truck Center of Macon
