SGTC hosts Kauffman Tire graduate recognition ceremony

  South Georgia Technical College hosted a Kauffman Tire graduate recognition ceremony in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the Americus campus recently with the Kauffman Tire graduates, their family members, and Kauffman Tire and South Georgia Technical College officials attending. Brian Sisson, Kauffman Tire Vice President of Human Resources, welcomed the crowd to the graduate recognition ceremony. SGTC Automotive Technology instructor Brandon Dean thanked Kauffman for their partnership with South Georgia Tech and the Automotive Technology program. SGTC Vice President of Economic Development Wally Summers also expressed his appreciation to Kauffman Tire for their partnership. Kauffman Tire Director of Training Steve Smith addressed the graduates of the Kauffman Tire-Automotive Chassis and Climate Control Specialist program and congratulated them for completing the program. Following the address by Smith, SGTC Vice President for Academic Affairs David Kuipers thanked the graduates for choosing South Georgia Tech and then conveyed the rights and privileges associated with earning the technical certificate of credit in the Automotive Chassis and Climate Control Specialist program. The members of the graduating class included Joshua S. Burton of Snellville, Juan J. Duque of Cordele, Charlie L. Grier of Eagles Landing, Xavier K. Hansell, Jr. of Thomasville, Zachary O. Higgs of Conyers, Tyler M. Kisson of Buford, Connor P. Parker of Canton, Richard H. Pokojski of Peachtree City, and Mauricio Z. Segovia of West Cobb. Kauffman Tire is a family owned and operated retail and wholesale tire distribution company that has been in operation since 1936. Kauffman Tire and South Georgia Tech have partnered together to provide educational training and internships that can lead to great career opportunities with the third generation company. Kauffman has opened stores in the Cordele and the Albany area and is currently opening additional stores throughout South Georgia, North Florida, and the Eastern United States. The Kauffman Tire retail stores sell tires, but also provide oil changes, preventive or scheduled maintenance, brake replacement, wheel alignments, tire rotations, and other services to keep vehicles in top condition. 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. Kauffman Tire operates over 55 retail stores in Georgia and Florida, and by the end of 2016, that number will increase to 67. Kauffman also has fourteen wholesale distribution centers in seven states and the e-commerce site Tread Depot. Kauffman Tire offers daily delivery to customers out of all wholesale centers, with a fleet of approximately 150 vehicles. Kauffman Tire is a leader in the industry in retail, wholesale, commercial and E-commerce division. They are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic, positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. Kauffman Tire’s expansive business model provides employment opportunities to people of all educational and professional backgrounds with opportunity for career advancement within the company. 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. 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.