Piedmont Technical College (PTC) and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) recently announced an innovative partnership that will provide tangible benefits for students in the college’s nationally recognized Automotive Technology program.

The partnership with HMA presents PTC Automotive Technology students with a unique opportunity to access and complete training modules in Hyundai’s learning management system. As a result, graduates who complete this training will be qualified to start work at Hyundai franchises at a higher level with better wages than other college graduates who have not received similar advanced training.

“Automotive technology is a rapidly evolving growth industry that is both challenging and rewarding,” said PTC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Keli Fewox. “Our new partnership with Hyundai will put PTC Automotive Technology graduates in an outstanding position to pursue fulfilling careers with a leading automaker.”

Hyundai Technician Recruiting Liaison Candace Mabry said her company is “very excited to be partnering with Piedmont Technical College.”

“This is going to be definitely quite an experience for the automotive students,” Mabry said.

Students who complete the training in Hyundai’s learning management system will be considered as certified service technicians after completing the orientation course upon employment.

“This will look fantastic on your resume,” Mabry said. “Ideally, we would love to have you all join a Hyundai dealership.”

The new partnership between HMA and PTC was announced Sept. 24 at the William H. “Billy” O’Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence on the PTC campus in Greenwood.

“Partnerships like this give added value to the high-quality education that PTC students receive each and every day,” Fewox said.

Learn more about PTC’s automotive technology program by visiting ptc.edu/auto.