An Albany-area car dealership is helping Capital Region BOCES stay in the fast lane when it comes to preparing future mechanics and auto repair experts.

Capitaland Motors Subaru & GMC recently made a $10,000 donation to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Automotive Trades Technology program. The funding, teachers Brian LaCroix and Scott Tessier said, will be used to purchase the latest tools and equipment for students to work with.

Capitaland owner Regina Grecco said she was inspired to make the donation after visiting CTE on March 19.

“I went to the job fair [on the Albany CTE campus]  for the first time for the spring job fair and I was so very impressed with the instructors, the facility. It was eye opening,” she said. “Everyone there goes above and beyond in instructing the students in the trades they are in. It is so impressive.”

Capitland Motors Subaru & GMC has been a longtime advocate of Capital Region BOCES CTE in terms of hosting numerous students for work-based learning and providing career opportunities for students and graduates alike, LaCroix and Tessier said.

The donation was the next step in that support.

“I am so proud to be a small part of what BOCES is doing in terms of taking these students on and mentoring them,” Grecco said. 

Grecco said partnering with Capital Region BOCES is crucial to the success of businesses in the region.

“It’s vital to be able to get these students from a program that is so well built, and the program seems to be improving all the time. The students are coming out with various [certifications] like using lifts and now they are working on [EPA Section 609 certification] for air conditioning. It’s amazing,” Grecco said.

LaCroix and Tessier thanked Capitaland for the support.

“The continued support of Capitland Motors Subaru & GMC ensures our students will continue to have great opportunities to succeed, both personally and professionally. Whether through hosting and hiring our students or making a donation that ensures we will have the latest technology at our fingertips for our students, Capitaland has been a tremendous partner,” LaCroix said.  

There are currently more than 100 students enrolled in the Automotive Trades Technology program that is offered on the Albany and Schoharie campuses. Students in the two-year program learn everything from computerized diagnostics to hands-on repairs while gaining the skills to service and maintain all types of cars and light trucks. Students are prepared to enter the industry or pursue higher education and earn professional certifications that will aid them no matter the path they choose.