SGTC hosts Kauffman Tire graduate recognition ceremony

Thirteen graduates were recognized at a recent South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Kauffman Tire graduate recognition ceremony on SGTC’s Americus campus. Students who completed the Automotive Chassis and Climate Control Specialist technical certificate of credit received their certificates in front of Kauffman Tire officials, family, and friends. Brian Sisson, Kauffman Tire Vice President of Human Resources, welcomed guests to the graduate recognition luncheon, and SGTC Vice President for Economic Development Wally Summers, SGTC Automotive Technology instructor Brandon Dean, and SGTC Vice President for Academic Affairs David Kuipers also addressed graduation attendees. Steve Smith, Kauffman Tire Director of Training, shared remarks with the graduates. “Getting to see people grow every day is the best part about my job, and I get to experience that every time there’s an SGTC Kauffman Tire graduation,” he said. “South Georgia Tech has given you the tools to succeed, now it’s up to you to do something with what you’ve learned.” Graduates of the Automotive Chassis and Climate Control Specialist program included Cody Allen of Lithia, Florida; Cullen Cline of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Zachary Dawson of Covington, Georgia; Patrick Doyle of Kennesaw, Georgia; John Gayden of Snellville, Georgia; Allen Harris of Covington, Georgia; Skyler Hysom of Mulberry, Florida; Anthony Jackson of Conyers, Georgia; Jonathan Osias of Buford, Georgia; Franco Segovia of Austell, Georgia; Hamilton Smith of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Everson Steele of Milton, Georgia; and Cedric Watson of Roswell, Georgia. Graduates of this technical certificate of credit program become technician interns and are guaranteed an interview with the company for a temporary, part-time or full-time position. Graduates also have the potential to apply for the technical, sales, or management career paths. Students receive hands-on training in Kauffman Tire labs and stores. To be eligible for the Kauffman Tire internship, students must be at least 18 years of age or older, be a HOPE grant recipient, have a current, valid Georgia driver’s license and acceptable driving record, be enrolled in a Kauffman approved school automotive program, and must possess or pass Tire Industry Association (TIA) Level 200 Certification within 30 days of assignment. All regular Kauffman interviewing, hiring, and employment standards/protocols apply and potential interns must comply with all other school and program requirements. Kauffman Tire students are also eligible for reimbursement of the costs of attending the South Georgia Technical College Automotive Chassis and Climate Control Specialist program upon successful completion of the program followed by six months of additional continuous Kauffman service. The automotive technician positions are responsible for servicing and repairing vehicles. Techs use state-of-the-art diagnostic resources to expertly diagnose vehicle problems, accurately prescribe/estimate correct repair action(s) and promptly deliver the required service. Compensation depends upon skills and experience. Company benefits include: health, dental, prescription drugs, vision, 401(K) savings plan, life insurance, short term and long term disability insurance and advancement opportunities. Since 1936, Kauffman Tire has grown from a single Texaco service station location in Wooster, Ohio to one of the nation’s largest independent tire dealers. Kauffman looks for employees with high energy, great work ethic, and a people-oriented mindset, offering growth and development opportunities within the company. Kauffman Tire and SGTC have formed a partnership to provide educational training and internships that can lead to great career opportunities with the third generation company. Kauffman Tire operates over 55 retail stores in Georgia and Florida, fourteen wholesale distribution centers in seven states, and the e-commerce site Tread Depot. Kauffman’s retail stores sell tires and provide oil changes, preventive or scheduled maintenance, brake replacement, wheel alignments, tire rotations, and other services to keep vehicles in top condition. To learn more about the SGTC- Kauffman Tire internship program contact Mike Olsson at molsson@kauffmantire.com or (404) 762-4944. To enroll at South Georgia Technical College, contact SGTC at 229-931-2760 in Americus or 229-271-4051 in Cordele. Students may apply, test, and register as part of SGTC’s one-stop enrollment process. Visit the SGTC website at www.southgatech.edu to learn more.