|
Rhode
Island Department of Motor Vehicles Chooses NEIT for Emissions
Training
|
For
the last seven months, the Center for Technology and Industry
at New England Tech has been instructing Rhode Island's Certified
Inspection Repair Technicians (C.I.R.T.) in On-Board Diagnostics
II (OBD II). After being selected through a competitive bid
process by the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles in
November 2002, The Center began a customized training program
as part of Rhode Island's new Emission Control/Vehicle Inspection
Program. The C.I.R.T. program, which was mandated by the Environmental
Protection Agency, has trained 125 technicians to date.
The primary function of the C.I.R.T. program is to identify
and certify qualified technicians throughout the state to do
repairs on vehicles that failed the 2000 emissions standards.
This past January, OBDII testing started with model year 2000
and newer vehicles. On March 15, 2003 the model year was dropped
to 1998 and soon the model year for OBD II testing will be dropped
to 1996. This new procedure will create a different type of
emissions failure, which requires a more technical diagnostic
procedure than tailpipe emissions repair. The training focused
on OBD II Diagnostics, OBD II Scan Tool and Diagnostic Monitors
reflecting the OBD System, operation and testing, and emphasizing
the latest changes. This training has been made mandatory for
Rhode Island technicians to keep their C.I.R.T. Certificate.
Norm Messinger, of the Automotive Technology department, has
instructed twelve sections of the 12-hour training program.
Sessions included case studies, worksheets, and lab exercises.
At the end of the 12-hour training, the participants were required
to obtain a 75% or higher on an examination to receive their
new certificate that reflects competency in both OBD II and
tailpipe emission repairs.
"We felt it was imperative that we train our C.I.R.T.'s
in OBD II repairs," says Richard Carlucci, Inspector at
the RI Safety & Emissions Control Office at the Department
of Motor Vehicles. Mr. Carlucci stated that he has gotten very
positive responses from the participants. "I feel this
course was valuable and informative," stated one participant.
"The instructor, Norm Messinger, was great. It was well
worth the three night class." The
training focused on OBD II Diagnostics, OBD II Scan Tool and
Diagnostic Monitors reflecting the OBD System, operation and
testing, and emphasizing the latest changes. This training has
been made mandatory for Rhode Island technicians to keep their
C.I.R.T. Certificate.
Norm Messinger, of the Automotive Technology department, has
instructed twelve sections of the 12-hour training program.
Sessions included case studies, worksheets, and lab exercises.
At the end of the 12-hour training, the participants were required
to obtain a 75% or higher on an examination to receive their
new certificate that reflects competency in both OBD II and
tailpipe emission repairs.
"We felt it was imperative that we train our C.I.R.T.'s
in OBD II repairs," says Richard Carlucci, Inspector at
the RI Safety & Emissions Control Office at the Department
of Motor Vehicles. Mr. Carlucci stated that he has gotten very
positive responses from the participants. "I feel this
course was valuable and informative," stated one participant.
"The instructor, Norm Messinger, was great. It was well
worth the three night class." |
From
left: John Rich, Bridgestone-Firestone District Trainer; Robert
Theroux, NEIT Vice President of Finance/Controller; Bob Smith,
Bridgestone-Firestone Northeast Zone Manager; Christopher
Bannister, Automotive Technology Department Chair; and Steve
Briere, Bridgestone-Firestone Assistant District Manager. |
| |
|
Charles Klasman of BMW addresses high school students at this
year's automotive career day. |
|
Automotive
Career Day A Huge Success!
New
England Institute of Technology and the Automotive Technology
Department were hosts to over 500 high school students and
their teachers from 35 area high schools for the annual Automotive
Career Education Day. Guests were invited to participate in
a variety of workshops and demonstrations showcasing the Automotive
Technology, Auto Body Technology, and Marine Technology programs.
The program featured several industry presentations, including
Charles Klasman of BMW North America. Mr. Klasman spoke to
students about the employment needs of BMW North America.
Southworth Milton Inc. representative, William Leary, discussed
the skills and opportunities offered within his company.
Bill Poulin, Education and Training Coordinator for Rhode
Island Automobile Dealers Association, represented Automotive
Youth Education Systems and spoke to students about career
opportunities in the automotive field. Snap-on Tools representative,
Jeffrey Fox, demonstrated the latest Snap-on Tools technology.
Automotive Technology faculty members offered presentations
including: John D'Urso, automotive transmissions; Virgil Tavares,
emission testing; Michael Isabella, diagnostics; and Norman
Messinger and Herb Gowdey spoke about the NEIT Pit Crew Club.
NEIT automotive students who are members of the Seekonk Speedway
Pit Crew Club spoke about their experiences. Auto Body faculty
member Kevin DiGiovanni and NEIT students offered a presentation
of the steps involved in the auto body process. High school
students were invited to visit stations demonstrating door
skin removal, primer application on a car shell, painting,
and frame repair.
Marine faculty members, Robert Kachanis and Ted Chamberlin,
provided a tour of the Marine Technology lab, and discussed
skills and career options. In addition, Ed Lofgren and Tina
Giambro, representatives of the Massachusetts Marine Trades
Association, were available to speak to students about career
opportunities.
Automotive Technology, Auto Body Technology, and Marine Technology
students participated as well, assisting in the various presentations.
Both high school teachers and students noted and complimented
the college on the involvement of NEIT students. Teachers
felt the NEIT student participation gave the high school students
a glimpse into what the NEIT experience can be.
|
 |
|
Bridgestone-Firestone
Company Donates Funds to Automotive Program
The
Automotive Technology department at New England Tech is pleased
to announce that it has received $10,000 from the Bridgestone-Firestone
Company. The funds will be used in support of the college's
Automotive Technology Scholarship program.
During the recent presentation ceremonies, two current Automotive
Technology students, Vannarith Oung and Joseph Vanasse, were
each presented with a $750 scholarship.
|
|
|