business backgrounder | education & workforce a complete overhaul
In 2018 , the automotive service technician certificate program at Port Angeles-based Peninsula College was going through a crisis . Enrollment was down — way down — and showed no signs of turning around . The college decided to sunset the program in its current format and rebuild it from scratch . The first task for Brian Kneidl , associate dean of workforce programs , was to reassemble the advisory committee and determine the best path forward .
“ I spent a lot of time talking to local employers and discovered that for the most part , they weren ’ t concerned about somebody having a two-year degree ,” Kneidl said . “ What they were concerned about was somebody being able to diagnose a vehicle quickly and having strong fundamentals in basic electronics .”
Based on employer feedback , Kneidl revamped the curriculum . In the new program , students learn all about gas , diesel and electric vehicles , including diagnostics , preventative maintenance and repair . The two-quarter program is completed in six months .
“ Employers are looking for a well-rounded mechanic who has experience with all kinds of vehicles ,” Kneidl said . “ Our program is designed to take someone from Johnny off the street to someone with skills who knows their way around a modern vehicle , including hybrid and electric vehicles .”
One of the most challenging tasks was finding the right instructor . After months of searching , Kneidl hired someone who came straight from the electric vehicle industry .
“ It was really important to me to find an instructor who had a good background in electric vehicles because if our students can figure out electric vehicles , they ’ ll be able to figure out any other alternative fuel vehicles that are coming up .”
— Brian Kneidl , associate dean of workforce programs at Peninsula College
“ It was really important to me to find an instructor who had a good background in electric vehicles because if our students can figure out electric vehicles , they ’ ll be able to figure out any other alternative fuel vehicles that are coming up ,” Kneidl said . “ We got lucky when we found our instructor , and thanks to his skills and knowledge , we have an amazing program .” The new program launched in the winter quarter of 2024 . Eight students are expected to graduate in the spring . “ So far it ’ s going great . The students are really enjoying it ,” Kneidl said . “ Employers are happy , too . We ’ re always communicating with the employers and with the students and getting feedback from both sides .” spring 2024 51