Suffolk County Community College has begun construction on a new Automotive Technology Training Center at its Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. The 38,000-square-foot facility is designed to expand the college’s automotive program and support the need for skilled automotive technicians on Long Island.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Suffolk County Community College and the Suffolk Community College Foundation announced a naming partnership with Empire Automotive Group, a regional company involved in workforce development and community initiatives.
Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, said, “The College and our Foundation are delighted to partner with Empire Automotive Group in order to advance and enhance our automotive technology training program. Today, we join with our student body and over 145,000 alumni to extend our gratitude and sincere thanks to Michael Brown, President and CEO of Empire Automotive Group, for this generous naming gift!”
Dr. Bonahue also noted ongoing cooperation with government representatives: “In addition to the naming partnership being announced today, we also continue to work collaboratively with our state elected officials and the Suffolk County Legislature. Thanks to this powerful combination, our regional economy will continue to enjoy the benefits that flow from a trained, skilled workforce.”
Michael Brown, President and CEO of Empire Automotive Group, commented on the initiative: “the future of automotive technology depends on highly skilled technicians. We’re proud to partner with the college to help create a workforce that will drive Long Island’s automotive industry forward.”
The new Empire Automotive Group Technology Center will feature modern classrooms, workshops, simulation zones equipped with up-to-date vehicles and diagnostic tools, as well as hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Students will have opportunities for hands-on learning guided by industry professionals.
The college’s existing automotive program at the Ammerman Campus in Selden will remain open. Both locations are accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation and prepare students for careers at dealerships, franchise shops, or independent repair businesses.
More than 100 local officials, industry partners, and community members attended the event in support of workforce development efforts in technical education.
Suffolk County Community College is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It enrolls over 26,000 students across more than 100 degree and certificate programs and has approximately 145,000 alumni.