By Jim Bloch
Some gifts are too big for a holiday stocking.
The automotive technology and collision shop students at the St. Clair County Technical Education Center recently unwrapped a late model cargo van that couldn’t fit under a tree or in a stocking.
LaFontaine Ford of St. Clair and the LaFontaine Automotive Group gave a gray 2023 Ford Transit cargo van to the auto programs at the center, which is part of the St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency in Marysville. The donation formally took place on Dec. 13. “Last week, the collision repair and automotive technology programs at St. Clair County TEC received an incredible donation—a 2023 Ford Transit Cargo Van—from LaFontaine Ford St. Clair,” said St. Clair County RESA on its Facebook page, Dec. 17. “The vehicle, which has damage, was generously donated along with the parts needed for repairs. The van’s larger size offers our students the chance to work on a different type of vehicle than they’ve tackled before, expanding their skills and real-world experience. Representatives from LaFontaine and Ford spent the day with our students, sharing information about the wide range of career opportunities in the automotive industry. Thank you to LaFontaine and Ford for inspiring our students to dream big.”
According the presentation at the facility, the Ford Motor Company is expecting the shortage of automotive service technicians to run about 76,000 per year over the next several years.
RESA provides early childhood, special education and vocational services to students from around the county. In addition to the automotive technology and collision shop programs, St. Clair County TEC offers 12 technical programs, ranging from computer programming to welding technology.
“LaFontaine Ford of St. Clair and the LaFontaine Automotive Group is proud to continue our partnership with the automotive technology and collision shop programs,” said the
company on its Facebook page. “The car being donated today will allow TEC students to learn hands-on about the latest technology in today’s vehicles.
“We look forward to welcoming St. Clair County TEC graduates and exploring opportunities for them within our company.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at [email protected].