WHITEVILLE, NC — Southeastern Community College’s (SCC) Automotive Systems Technology program has expanded its hands-on training capabilities following a major vehicle and equipment donation from Hyundai Motor America.
The college recently received a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, a Hyundai scan tool, and direct access to manufacturer service databases and training modules. The fully electric vehicle arrived on campus in August and will serve as a cornerstone resource for students enrolled in SCC’s Electric Vehicle Certificate program.
Building on a Multi-Year Partnership
The donation is the culmination of a three-year relationship between SCC and the automaker. According to Automotive Systems Technology Instructor Johnny O’Connell, the college has been utilizing Hyundai’s online learning management system, which offers students the exact same training and certification pathways provided to dealership technicians.
“Students can complete all 54 modules, each having its own certification, to earn the overall Hyundai Service Technician Certification,” O’Connell explained. “Because we have regularly used the training over the past three years, we were chosen by Hyundai to receive a vehicle donation.”
In addition to the vehicle, Hyundai donated a specialized scan tool and provided direct access to manufacturer-specific service information—marking the first time SCC’s automotive program has secured direct access to a vehicle manufacturer’s official service database.
Enhancing Electric Vehicle Education
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is currently the only drivable, fully electric vehicle available in the college’s training program, giving local students unique access to modern EV technology.
“This vehicle will be used in all of our electric vehicle program offerings,” said O’Connell. “Students will gain hands-on experience from using the vehicle in the lab to perform repairs and maintenance, and will learn how to charge the vehicle, along with how to operate the vehicle.”
According to Hyundai Motor America, the donation aims to equip the next generation of technicians with real-world skills while building a strong workforce pipeline for dealerships nationwide.
“Trade school partnerships like this are essential to helping aspiring technicians build the hands-on skills and confidence they need to succeed in an evolving industry,” said Michel Poirier, Vice President of After Sales & Customer Experience at Hyundai Motor America. “These resources help prepare students to service today’s increasingly advanced vehicles while strengthening the pipeline of future technicians for Hyundai dealership partners nationwide.”
How to Enroll
Students who complete the electric vehicle coursework will earn SCC’s Electric Vehicle Certificate along with industry-recognized Hyundai credentials.
Those interested in pursuing a career in Automotive Systems Technology can contact an SCC Student Advisor at 910-788-6247 or visit A-Building on the SCC campus in Whiteville.
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