In July, Moraine Park Technical College’s Fond du Lac Campus had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Wisconsin Auto and Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) Summer Training Institute.

The purpose of the Summer Training Institute is to bring together automotive instructors and industry representatives to explore and train on new concepts that can be brought back to the instructors’ individual classrooms. This event began over 20 years ago, and was started by our own Jim Eden (Moraine Park VP of Teaching and Learning) and Carl Hader (Retired Germantown High School Auto Instructor/ WATDA Representative),

Summer Training Institute, which hosted over 40 high-school automotive instructors from throughout the state, began on July 18 with a guided tour of Wells Vehicle Electronics. The attendees were able to view the plant and assembly areas, as well as the technical services garage. The day ended with a reception and welcome event at the Crystal Ballroom, located in the Retlaw Hotel.

The following days, attendees gathered on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus to attend training and educational sessions. Representatives from the parts and automobile industry, as well as our own automotive instructors Jim Daniels and Francesco Corrente, led the sessions. Topics covered included:

1. Battery Technology & Charging Systems
2. Light Diesel
3. Evolution of ADAS Repair Technology (Levels 1-6)
4. Evaporative System Concepts and Diagnosis
5. Direct Fuel Injection
6. Adding Auto Body Programs to Curriculum

Breakfast and lunch were supplied by the wonderful Eden Catering in our cafeteria. Those meals allowed our attendees to mingle and further share ideas and new concepts learned. Both lunch sessions included speeches from WATDA representatives Dan Klecker (State Education Director) and Brent Kindred (Vice President). There was also a roundtable panel discussion about the future of the automotive industry that culminated in an enlightening and thought-provoking Q and A session with everyone in attendance.

Summer Training Institute was a great opportunity for industry members to get together, network, and share ideas. MPTC hosted this event for the first time in nine years, and we look forward to hosting it in the future. Talking with the attendees, almost all were delighted with both the event coordination and the detailed level of instruction that was given during the breakout sessions.

This truly was an event that was worth the effort and time that went into planning it. Moraine Park would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the trades and facilities staff that spent time planning and executing the WATDA Summer Training Institute. Excellent work, everyone!

Written by Corey Koch

Many students come to the Student Success Center at MPTC to get help with their course work, but sometimes our programs partner and instructors will go to the students. Two examples are found in the Medical Assistant and Auto programs. Past partnerships have included working with Culinary Arts, CNC, Welding, and CNA classes.

Bob Mengert has assisted in the Auto courses for several years, and is right in the classroom to help students understand the math and reading skills needed to succeed in those programs. Similarly, Jeani Slaymaker works with students in the Medical Assistant program.

Bob holds classes for any auto students who need skill-building, primarily in math and reading skills, and will tailor the lessons to specific needs for that program. He doesn’t just teach general math lessons, but math skills needed when working in the field of Auto Mechanics. Bob also assists in the labs, where instructors in the program make good use of and appreciate his help!

Jeani does similar work with students in the Medical Assistant program, teaching necessary reading and math skills needed for Pharmacology, Human Body, and other courses. She has created hands-on review materials to make the lessons come alive for students, including the “human game board” and Kahoots quizzes. She also meets virtually with students to review instructor lectures and help with students’ notes and comprehension.

Many students have benefited from Jeani’s help. According to MA instructors, Brianna Matheson and Erika Herriges, Jeani “…is an asset to the program.” She “… cares deeply for the students, utilizes creative study techniques.” Brianna adds, “Students who work with Jeani tend to achieve higher test scores and retain knowledge longer than students who don’t.”

The Student Success Center instructors strive to assist students in their college courses. Whether you come to us, or we come to you, our aim is the same – your success!

Ready to head out on a new adventure? Have you ever thought about becoming a commercial truck driver? You may ask yourself, what does it take to get the required license to drive a truck? You’ll need to get a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) to practice driving on public roads.

Take the first step towards a new career by enrolling in Moraine Park’s CDL Learner’s Permit Exam Prep class. You will meet face to face with an instructor who will guide you through the requirements to obtain your Commercial Learners Permit in as little as a week. Our 15 hour classroom course will introduce you to the trucking industry, familiarize you with the different written exams, background and medical information, and prepare you to pass the required knowledge exam whether you plan to apply for a CLASS A, B, or C license. Once you are issued a Commercial Learners Permit, you may operate a commercial motor vehicle as indicated on your permit with another person licensed to drive the same type of vehicle.

If you have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record, Moraine Park Technical College can help you take that first step towards a truck driving career.

Make an investment in your future today. In as little as one week, we can prepare you to pass the knowledge exam.  Get started by enrolling an upcoming class.

Monday – Thursday, June 1 -4, 2020
5:30 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.
Fond du Lac Campus, Room B-128
CRN 10203

Monday – Thursday, September 14-20, 2020
5:30 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.
West Bend Campus, Room T-104
CRN 20328

Monday – Thursday, November 2- 5, 2020
5:30 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.
Fond du Lac Campus, Room B127
CRN 20327

To register, please call 1-800-472-4554. For questions, please contact Laurie at lbarz@morainepark.edu or visit  https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/continuing-education/licensure-and-certificates/ .

Disclaimer: Moraine Park does not provide vehicles to practice on.

Throughout the month of November, 2019, Auto Instructor Jim Daniels and students from the MPTC Automotive Technology Programs, hosted teens in grades 5-12 and staff from the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac and the Boys and Girls Club of the Tri-County Area and Waupun High School for fun interactive Dream Big events.

The Dream Big project started in 2017 with Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac teens learning more about the over 100 careers available through MPTC.  Now Dream Big has expanded throughout the MPTC district (Fond du Lac, Dodge, Washington and Green Lake Counties.)  This is a great community partnership opportunity for Moraine Park students to showcase their careers and make a true community impact  and for area teens to get excited about career choices!

Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club Teen Services Director Dillon Wiese said, “We are so excited for these Dream Big opportunities! At Boys and Girls Clubs we work hard to prepare teens with life skills to get ready for the world of work.  At Dream Big Auto teens learned about batteries, engines, changing tires and more! They also learned about how important their high school classes of math, science and english are for their future careers. Our partnership with MPTC is a great way for teens to explore their interests, learn about careers, get ready for college and know they really can achieve their dreams! Thank you MPTC!”

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

Jerod Splan of Iron Ridge is a student unlike any other. He was born completely deaf, but it is clear that he has the determination to face any challenge on this path. As a student in the automotive program, Jerod has spent the past 2-years perfecting his life-long passion.

“I’ve been around cars all my life,” Jerod said. “My Dad and Grandfather both enjoy working on cars as a hobby. I knew from a young age that this was my life calling.”

Jerod is a 2008 graduate from Lomira High School, and after graduation, he enrolled at Moraine Park in the CNC/Tool & Die program at Moraine Park. He enjoyed the program, and learned a lot, but couldn’t deny that his mind always drifted to back to automotive. So, Jerod enrolled at Moraine Park again in 2016. He came into the program already familiar with cars and the automotive industry but was looking to build upon those skills.

“The program gives a good introduction to the industry,” he said. “I’ve learned the right way to do things and how to perform my job safely. My instructors Jim, Frank, Craig, and Tim are great. I’ve learned a lot.”

In fact, for the automotive instructors, Jerod was their first deaf student, offering learning opportunities all around, such as introducing deaf culture, visual aids, and supplying a videophone to call customers.

“Moraine Park has worked hard to accommodate my learning,” Jerod said. “I’ve had my interpreter, Tammy, by my side daily, and the learning is very visual. English is not my first language, American Sign Language (ASL) is, but I’ve found the transition to learning here to be very easy.”

There’s no denying that Moraine Park is working to fill employment gaps in the industry, but there is also an overall goal to make sure learning is possible for all who aspire to earn it. Of course, Jerod didn’t stop with just utilizing the classroom, he also involved himself in student life.

“Jerod has brought such a fun dynamic to the student life department,” Sam Saeger, student involvement specialist said. “He has made the most of his college experience by joining student senate, attending conferences, and being a part of the Automotive Club. ”

Jerod can be found around Fond du Lac’s campus, participating in activities or simply enjoying the company of his friends at the College.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people,” he said. “I’ve made some great friendships, and have been given opportunities to grow.”

Jerod will be graduating on May 18 with his automotive technician associate degree.

“I’m proud that I have faced the challenges,” Jerod said. “I could have been afraid or have hidden, but instead I embraced it. I have been given many opportunities and am happy with my experience at Moraine Park.”

morainepark.edu

I’d like you to meet Nathan Zielieke, an Automotive Tech student at MPTC. Nathan gave me a helping hand, literally, at Kwik Trip a few weeks back, and I feel he deserves positive recognition for his good deed!

Let’s just say I MAY have been quite a bit overdue for an oil change when I happened to see him leaving the store asked him “How far over is TOO far overdue?” Without hesitation, Nathan asked, “Would you like me to check your oil level?” I declined at first, but he kindly insisted and I’m glad he did!

He pointed out “Your oil should really be up to this line on the stick, and it’s way down here, you should probably go into the store and buy a quart. I’ll come in with you.”

Nathan didn’t stop there, he proceeded to put the oil in – cupping his hand in place of a funnel. What an upstanding citizen and all around nice guy!

When I asked Nathan how he became interested in cars and working on them, his face lit up, “I’ve been working in the shop, tearing down engines and restoring old cars with my dad and grandpa since before I could walk. My dad and I keep my grandpa’s old cars running and bring them to car shows. I haven’t missed the Iola Car Show and Swap Meet since I was six.”

“Right now I’m working on turning the first car my dad bought at age 11 into a drag racing car, it’s a 1958 Ford Custom 300. I’m also restoring a 1984 F350 and getting a 65 F250 running. I can fix anything that has an engine 4-wheelers, boats, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, dirt-bikes, you name it.”

I asked Nathan about his time here at Moraine Park and what his future holds he said, “I like it here, I enjoy the instructors, the real-life experiences and all the joking around. I work in a shop in Fond du Lac right now, but after I graduate next year, I want to find a job in restoration. Someday, I want to own a shop restoring old cars – nothing beats a classic.”

Thank you, Nathan, for being such a great guy- and for using your Moraine Park skills for those in need!

morainepark.edu/automotive-technician

Like to drive, want to see the country? Having a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Learners Permit can help you gain a new career in the trucking industry.  

Be ready to go.

The demand for truck drivers is increasing. Driving a school bus, passenger vehicle, dump truck, freight carrying truck, or being licensed to tow a double or triple trailer could be yours, but you must first pass the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) knowledge exam and obtain your CDL Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Whether you want to drive statewide, regionally, across the country or stay close to home, passing the CDL knowledge exam is the first step to a new career.

Are you independent, hardworking, adventurous and love a challenge? Want to explore America? If you answered yes, then becoming a trucker may be right for you.

If you have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record, Moraine Park Technical College can help you take that first step towards a career driving. Our 15 hour classroom course, will introduce you to the trucking industry, familiarize you with the different written exams, background and medical information and prepare you to pass the CDL knowledge exam required whether you plan to apply for a CLASS A, B or C license.

Once you pass the CDL knowledge exam you will be issued a Commercial Learners Permit. You may operate a commercial motor vehicle as indicated on your permit with another person licensed to drive the same type of vehicle.

Make an investment in your future today. In as little as one week, we can prepare you to pass the knowledge exam.  Get started by enrolling in the March or April class.

March 11-14
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 only)
Fond du Lac Campus, Room B-109
CRN 31155

or

April 8-11
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 only)
West Bend Campus, Room L-159
CRN 31156

Disclaimer: Moraine Park does not provide vehicles to practice on.

To register, please call 1-800-472-4554. For questions, please contact Laurie at lbarz@morainepark.edu or visit https://www.morainepark.edu/programs-and-courses/certifications-and-licensure/.

On Thursday, November 8, instructors and students from the MPTC Automotive Technology Programs, hosted teens in grades 5-12 and staff from the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac and the Boys and Girls Club of the Tri-County Area for a fun two hour interactive Dream Big event.

Continue reading

The weather is getting nicer (even in Wisconsin!) and there are more bikes on the road.  Motorists are asked to stay alert for bikes, but motorcyclists need to remember they are harder to see and ride accordingly.  The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds riders that motorcycle safety starts with 5 = zero – 5 key points equals zero deaths on Wisconsin roadways.

Here are the five: Continue reading