Arkansas State University-Beebe is thrilled to announce the addition of the Toyota Lexus TECS Elite training program to its automotive technology curriculum at the ASU-Beebe Searcy campus.
The innovative program, made possible through a groundbreaking partnership with Parker Lexus of Little Rock and Toyota, marks a significant milestone in providing advanced automotive training and certification to students.
Dr. Jennifer Methvin, chancellor at ASU-Beebe, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "The collaboration with Parker Lexus and Toyota allows us to provide our students with opportunities and access to industry-leading training and certification. It reflects our commitment to equipping our students with the skills needed for successful careers in the automotive industry."
“We are so excited to start this partnership with ASU-Beebe,” said Katie Davidson, service manager and program coordinator at Parker Lexus. “This relationship will ultimately benefit our community and state in producing highly trained technicians.”
The TECS Elite program provides high school and college students with the tools and training necessary to become proficient Toyota/Lexus technicians.
"The ultimate goal of the TECS Elite program is to educate students to the level in which they can seamlessly transition into technician roles at Toyota or Lexus dealerships," said Mike Dingler, director of Regional Career Center. "This partnership offers our students opportunities for job shadowing, internships and ultimately, employment."
The program includes access to Toyota-specific tools and two new vehicles, a Toyota Corolla and a Tacoma truck for hands-on training. Students will learn to maintain, troubleshoot and repair Toyota-manufactured vehicles, gaining certifications in various areas as they progress through the program. These certifications are recorded in the Toyota Technician Database for future employment verification.
About TECS Elite
TECS Elite is an education support program offered by Toyota and Lexus. It is available at qualifying community and technical colleges. Students complete e-learning courses required for dealership entry-level technician certification. In addition, TECS Elite students complete 90 hours of hands-on training in brakes, steering and suspension, tire repair, and general maintenance. This certification level is the first step in building a career as technician at a Toyota or Lexus dealership.
For more information about the Toyota Lexus TECS Elite training program at ASU-Beebe, contact Aaron Hicks, automotive technology instructor, at (501) 207-6224.
Pictured, from left, are Dr. Jason Goodner, vice chancellor for academics at ASU-Beebe; Dr. Jennifer Methvin, chancellor at ASU-Beebe; Katie Davidson, service manager/program coordinator at Parker Lexus and Stephen Sharp, shop foreman; Aaron Hicks, automotive technology instructor on the Searcy campus; and Mike Dingler, director of the Regional Career Center.
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