Twelve Loyalist Automotive students are looking forward to an exciting trip later this month, when they travel to Las Vegas to participate in the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. Over 2,000 companies are expected to be represented at this year’s event. The SEMA show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from 100 countries each year.
“This is the premier auto event in North America, and it is the largest event of its kind in the world,” explained Dave Stewart, Professor in the Automotive program at Loyalist. “This is an ‘invitation only’ event, and Loyalist is the first Canadian college to participate. It is very exciting for everyone involved.”
Professor Gerry Byrd agrees. “The educational value of this show is unmatched within the industry,” he said. “There are 60 interns involved in total, and four interns will be Loyalist College students. They will work with organizers to set up prior to, and throughout the show. In fact, they will work side-by-side with companies from across the world.”
The interns will identify their interests and be given the option to work in those areas which interest them most, whether tires, car audio, performance, or environmental technologies. The automotive industry is vast, and will provide many opportunities to all graduates of the post-secondary automotive and apprenticeship programs. Click for more information about the Automotive program at Loyalist.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for our students and for the College,” commented Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “We are proud to be the first Canadian college to be invited to participate, and this certainly reflects the strength of our program and the faculty and staff involved. We will look forward to hearing about their experience when they return.”
With 111 students currently registered, and plans for total enrolment of up to 190 in 2008-09, Loyalist College has the largest automotive diploma and apprenticeship program in the region. Plans are underway to mark the 40th anniversary of Loyalist’s Automotive programs in October 2008.
– 30 –
Media Contact: Dianne Spencer, College Advancement, (613) 969-1913 ext. 2235, Dave Stewart, Professor, Loyalist College, ext. 2630, or Gerry Byrd, Professor, ext. 2431