The Walser Automotive Service Lab, a state-of-the-art facility part of a $3 million renovation aimed at expanding WSU Tech's automotive training programs, was recently unveiled.
The newly renovated 30,000-square-foot facility features a heavy truck area and a 72-person lecture hall, both of which will increase the capacity for the automotive programs at WSU Tech in Wichita, KS.
The upgrades are designed to help combat the national technician shortage, providing students with the skills needed to meet the workforce demands of Walser Auto Campus, home to nine luxury brands and 250 employees in Wichita.
With the U.S. facing a technician shortage -- where demand outpaces supply by 3 to 1, according to a 2020 TechForce Foundation study -- the need for collaborative efforts like this is more pressing than ever. The study estimated that 642,000 auto, diesel and collision technicians will be required between 2020 and 2024.
“Walser has made significant efforts to create pathways for emerging technician talent to find a home with us,” said Randy Lammle, senior vice president of dealership operations at Walser Auto Campus. “WSU Tech has been a vital partner in supporting our techs' growth through classroom education. Strengthening our relationship with the school was an easy decision.”
Walser’s investment in WSU Tech’s automotive program was made possible through a grant from the Walser Foundation, which allocates 5% of all pre-tax earnings to education and workforce development initiatives. The foundation’s long-term commitment to community investment plays a crucial role in expanding access to education and supporting career development.
“Investing in the communities where we live and work is key to our mission,” said Nancy Warner, director of the Walser Foundation. “The decision to invest in this multi-year grant ensures WSU Tech students have access to hands-on learning and career readiness.”
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this will be instrumental in preparing the next generation of technicians and alleviating the growing workforce shortage.
