Automotive Technology students to offer “Lights On For Safety” event

PTC's Automotive Technology department is partnering with O'Reilly Auto Parts to offer a free event to students, staff, faculty, and the public.

"With the winter's shorter daylight hours and the inclement weather that's common during these upcoming months, motorists must be aware of the need to drive with their lights on," says Jim Ascheman, PTC Automotive Technology instructor. "When visibility is reduced, drivers must use their lights -- being visible is an important part of avoiding accidents," Ascheman adds.

To assist the PTC community in increasing visibility this coming winter, the PTC Automotive Technology department, with O'Reilly Auto Parts, is hosting "Lights On For Safety," Tues. Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During these hours, Automotive Technology students will check and replace light fixtures on drivers' vehicles. The bulbs are being provided by O'Reilly Auto Parts at no charge to drivers.

• What: "Lights On For Safety," a free event to replace dim and/or broken light fixtures on community members' vehicles

• Where: Taking place in the PTC Automotive Technology lab

• When: Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Jim Ascheman, PTC Automotive Technology Instructor, AschemanJ@pinetech.edu or call 320-629-5162.

PTC pairs with Century College to offer professional development in human resources

Pine Technical College is partnering with Century College to offer a course for those working in the human resources field who plan to take certain industry-specific exams to bolster their credentials. The course, PHR/SPHR Certification Preparation, prepares students for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam as well as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) exam.

“For the HR professional, earning your PHR or SPHR credential helps demonstrate your commitment to the HR profession,” says Heidi Braun, PTC Continuing Education and Customized Training Program Manager. “Also, in the long run, it works to strengthen your department, protects you and your organization from risk, and it will help to ensure your organization maintains compliance with federal regulations,” Braun adds.

Once prepared, students may plan to take the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam, which focuses on the technical and operational aspects of HR management, or students may plan to take the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) exam, which focuses on strategic and policy issues relating to HR management.

PTC is now offering a new format of course delivery with an online, virtual classroom that includes:
• An experienced, SPHR-Certified, Six Sigma Black Belt-Certified instructor
• Weekly “live chats” and weekly virtual office hours
• Access to the robust website of Learn HRM
• A community of learners with a common goal from throughout the Midwest
• A curriculum that capitalizes on the most widely-utilized PHR/SPHR certification preparation tool available – a program modeled and based on the renowned Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) Learning System, developed to maximize a student’s experience, education, and skill set to provide the best chance to pass the either exam.

The next round of courses start tomorrow; to register or to inquire about future availability, call 320-629-5178.

Automotive Technology instructor Jeff Ruth a finalist for prestigious award

PTC automotive technology instructor Jeff Ruth has been selected as a finalist for the Valvoline-ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Teacher of the Year award. One of five finalists from across the United States, criteria for selection includes successful completion of Valvoline’s training program, as well as scoring among the highest on the ASE test for automotive instructors.

“Of course, it would be amazing to win, but right now, I am honored to simply be among the finalists,” says Ruth. “I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy keeping up to date with current technologies and training, and it all comes together for our students and graduates. Really, it’s our students and graduates who are the stars,” Ruth adds.

Ruth has been with PTC for 11 years, and prior to that, he worked at Northwest Iowa Technical College as an automotive instructor for 14 years. Over the course of his career so far, Ruth has amassed an expansive collection of awards and recognition, from the 2010 – 2011 Pine Technical College Teacher of the Year nomination, to national recognition such as the Valvoline-ASE program. Most notable, Ruth’s name is inscribed on the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich. – a sought-after recognition among those in the industry. Ruth earned his spot in the Hall of Fame in 1988, and says he worked hard and prepared for it.

“For that, I was taking home service manuals each night, and I really studied for it. It was worth it; I earned the Master Engine Machinist, Master Automotive Technician, Master Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Technician, and Master Body and Paint Technician certifications,” Ruth says.

Ruth’s methods of studying are a habit; each year, Ruth must receive 20 hours of continuing education/instructor training to maintain the ASE program certification, plus he has a reputation for continually seeking out additional training on top of what is required.

“We’re so proud of Jeff and our entire automotive technology program,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of PTC. “Jeff is extremely well-liked by his students. He is thorough, patient, and approachable, and of course, he is extremely knowledgeable,” Musgrove adds.

As part of the Valvoline-ASE Teacher of the Year competition, Ruth must submit a short video depicting why he should be selected as the Valvoline-ASE Teacher of the Year. Ruth’s students and colleagues participated in the making of the three-minute video, viewable here.

PHOTOs at top:
Jeff Ruth (L) sits with colleague James Ascheman (R) at Pine Technical College, among many awards Ruth has amassed over the years.


PHOTO above:
(L to R) 1988 – General Motors executive C.N. Moore; Northwest Iowa Technical College student David Imhoff; Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko; Jeff Ruth. Moore extends his congratulations to Imhoff and Ruth, as Imhoff – a student of Ruth’s – won a first place award at the 1988 annual U.S. Skill Olympics competition held in Wichita, Kan. Ruth attended the same competition again in 1991 with another student and says he looks forward to attending more competitions as the Skills chapter at PTC grows.