On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Subaru of New England and Gateway Community College (GCC) officially co-signed a formal agreement to establish a Subaru University (Subaru-U) program. The signing took place at GCC’s North Haven campus, 88 Bassett Road, home of the college’s Automotive Technology program. Subaru-U will provide GCC students with the skills and experience required of all Subaru technicians, better preparing them for employment upon certificate or associate degree completion.
GCC’s president, Dr. Paul Broadie II, and George Panagiotou, Subaru of New England’s Technical Training Operations manager, represented their respective organizations at the event, as did Professor Dan Fuller, chair of GCC’s Automotive Technology Department. Joining them were other members of the college’s and Subaru of New England’s leadership teams, many area Subaru retailers, and Gateway Automotive Technology students and faculty. Michael Freda, North Haven’s first selectman, was also on hand for the ceremony.

According to Dr. Broadie, the demand for jobs in the automotive industry is growing, due to an aging workforce and increasingly sophisticated and advanced technology. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17 percent growth rate for automotive technicians through 2020. “We have relationships with Honda, General Motors and now this exciting new agreement with Subaru. Creative partnerships and collaborations like these ensure that we build tomorrow’s workforce and give our Automotive Technology graduates the skills and experience they need to succeed.”

George Panagiotou termed the signing an historic event. “Subaru-U is a great partnership among three stakeholders: Gateway Community College, Subaru of New England and our dealerships,” he explained. “We will blend our curriculum into the college’s automotive program and then place Gateway graduates at Subaru retailers close to their homes, where they will be paired with workforce mentors. This is where our future technicians are going to be coming from.”

In his remarks, Freda, whose own daughter graduated from GCC’s Nursing program, explained that he is a “huge supporter” of Gateway. “Professionally, as North Haven’s chief elected official, I’m thrilled to have this wonderful automotive program here,” he noted. He cited the significant economic impact new car dealerships have on the town and its citizens by offering new jobs, outstanding salaries and compensation and specialized technical skills. “As long as I am in office, this great college will have my one thousand percent support.”

The Subaru of New England partnership will provide added strength to GCC’s outstanding automotive curriculum, notes Fuller. “These partnerships between education and industry provide skilled workers for Connecticut businesses, while also ensuring well-paid high-tech jobs for our students.”

Photo #1: Left to right: Michael Freda, North Haven’s First Selectman; George Panagiotou, Subaru of New England’s Technical Training Operations Manager; Dan Fuller, chair of GCC’s Automotive Technology Department; and GCC President Paul Broadie

Photo #2: GCC Automotive Technology program students

Photo #3: Left to right, George Panagiotou, Subaru of New England’s Technical Training Operations manager; Mary Ellen Cody, GCC Dean of Development and Community Partnerships; Wilson Luna, GCC Dean of Student Affairs; Paul Broadie, GCC President; Mark Kosinski, GCC Dean of Academic Affairs; and Rose Ellis, GCC Dean of Administrative Affairs