CFCC and Parkway Partnership
Employer input makes all the difference in preparing the next generation of skilled automotive technicians. At Cape Fear Community College, the Automotive Systems Technology program depends on strong industry partners like Parkway Hyundai and Parkway Subaru to keep training relevant and responsive to today’s workforce needs.
Debby Sickafoose, HR & Safety Manager, for Parkway Hyundai and Parkway Subaru , has been a strong advocate for the apprenticeship partnership with CFCC.
“When I came to CFCC in 2018, I met the Automotive Systems Technology program director, Thomas Butler, and tried to do as much as possible with the college. When they told us they had an apprentice program, we definitely wanted to get into it.”
Sickafoose explains that one of the partnership’s most valuable aspects is the open communication between employers and the program.
“The last time we were at CFCC, they asked if there was still a need to teach manuals, because they had to make room for new training,” she said. “We said no. This is not to say that manual cars don’t exist, but the bigger need is electric.”
“The program really listens to us, and that’s what’s important. You don’t want to waste time and money on out-of-date training. You want students learning what they’ll actually be doing.”
Proof is in the pudding
Thomas Butler is a graduate of the program himself and says feedback like this is important.
“We hold advisory meetings to make sure we’re meeting the needs of both students and employers,” Butler said. “In every class, we focus on the basics while pushing industry standards in our labs. I always encourage students to complete the degree. It made a difference for me, and that piece of paper can open doors they may not expect.”
Butler also highlighted the strength of his teaching team, many of whom are program alumni.
“We’ve built a great team of instructors. The proof is in the pudding,” he said.
Foundation first
Beyond curriculum, Parkway invests directly in students through apprenticeships and part-time employment and encourages them to stay the course.
“I’d tell any student thinking about dropping out to stay in school,” Sickafoose said. “The stuff they’re learning in school is very important. You learn the technique and then you apply it. It’s different when you enter the workforce, but you need that foundation first.”
Sickafoose explained that Parkway often hires students while they’re still enrolled. “I always get referrals from CFCC instructors. If they work part-time, they can apply what they’re learning.”
When asked if she notices a difference when hiring CFCC students, Sickafoose didn’t hesitate.
“They’re safety-conscious, which is very important to me since I also serve as safety manager,” she said. “I feel much more comfortable hiring somebody in the program.”
For CFCC, partners like Parkway Hyundai and Subaru help the program stay ahead of industry changes.
“It’s worked out really well,” Sickafoose said. “We have a say, other employers have a say, and the program listens. That’s what makes this partnership strong.”
