San Jacinto College automotive technology instructor JP Goins (third from left) was recognized at the College’s Aug. 9 Board of Trustees meeting for earning the GM World Class Technician certification. Shown congratulating Goins are, from left: Dr. Steven Horton, Central campus dean of technical education; Dr. Neil Matkin, Central campus president; and Dr. Barbara Hanson, Central campus vice president of instruction. Photo credit: Teri Fowle, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Auto tech instructor earns World Class Technician status

Rob Vanya, August 11, 2010

JP Goins, a San Jacinto College (SJC) automotive technology instructor, recently received one of the industry’s highest honors as a General Motors (GM) World Class Technician, a distinction held only by an estimated 1,000 technicians in the world. To earn the status, Goins completed nine Master Technician certifications and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

Goins, who lives in the Clear Lake area, is a product of San Jacinto College, having earned his associate degree in automotive technology at the Central campus. To qualify for the coveted World Class Technician certification, he traveled to three states and spent two years of intensive web-based and hands-on training, learning all aspects of automotive service. He says the time and effort were worth it because it’s imperative to provide automotive technology students at the College the best possible training.

“The days of the shade tree mechanic are gone,” Goins commented. “The average 2010 model vehicle has 27 different network modules performing more work than some small offices. Our graduates must repair expensive vehicles, and their work has to be right. The technology in a modern vehicle requires cutting-edge training, the ability to collaborate, to diagnose problems, and be efficient. Every service manager I talk to says the same thing: ‘I cannot hire off of the streets anymore.’”

Dr. Steven Horton, the Central campus dean of technical education, says Goins sets a good example for automotive technology students. “Mr. Goins’ students have great respect for his accomplishment because receiving the distinction of General Motors World Class Technician is the ultimate professional goal, a goal that they too can strive for while working as an automotive technician at a dealership,” Horton commented.

SJC provides financial assistance for supplemental training and proactively encourages faculty to improve their skills through professional development. “In workforce education, it is critical for our faculty to keep abreast of the latest technological advancements in order to deliver the most up-to-date instruction possible relative to the many technical education programs and courses the college provides to the community,” Horton said. “Professional development is particularly important for automotive instructors because the manufacturers produce new models annually. Automotive faculty can share the knowledge and skills they gain through professional development with their students, who will be the automotive technicians of the future.”

SJC offers specialized, state-of-the-art training programs in GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota and Honda. The program also maintains an affiliation with BMW, through which qualifying graduates can obtain six months of specialized training at a BMW facility. The Central campus offers both certificate and associate degree programs in automotive technology.

SJC serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about the College, please visit www.sanjac.edu, or call 281-998-6150.

Contact: Rob Vanya