Walser Automotive Group and WSU Tech have launched an automotive lab to train technicians and meet the growing interest in the field and address the skilled labor shortage. The TechForce Foundation estimates that nearly 500,000 automotive technicians are needed to fill vacancies across the U.S.
The Walser Automotive Service Lab, part of WSU Tech’s $3 million renovation of its 30,000-square-foot automotive service facility, adds a heavy-duty truck area and a 72-person lecture hall. WSU Tech, located on the campus of Wichita State University in Kansas, offers more than 100 degree and certificate options in fields such as automotive, aviation, health care and culinary arts.
Walser contributed to the renovation effort with a grant from his foundation, which allocates 5 percent of all pretax income to support education and workforce development initiatives.
Wichita is home to nine Walser luxury dealerships and 250 employees, many of whom use WSU Tech for their continuing education curriculum. Walser, of Edina, Minn., is ranked 26th on Automotive News’ list of the top 150 U.S.-based dealership groups, with retail sales of 27,585 new vehicles in 2023.
“Walser has worked hard to create a pathway for talented new technicians to find a place in our company,” Randy Lammle, senior vice president of dealer operations at Walser Auto Campus in Wichita, said in a statement. “WSU Tech has been a valuable partner in supporting the growth of our technicians through classroom education. Strengthening our relationship with the school was an easy decision.”
WSU Tech President Sheree Utash praised the automotive field and the school’s partnership with Walser.
“The reopening of our automotive center … demonstrates our commitment to meeting industry needs and equipping our students with practical skills,” Utash said in a statement. “This partnership helps us provide quality education and valuable workforce development opportunities.”
Nancy Warner, director of the Walser Foundation, said investing in the communities “where we live and work is key to our mission.”
“The decision to invest in this multi-year grant ensures WSU Tech students have access to hands-on learning and career readiness,” he said in a statement.