New Partnership to Enhance BFIT Automotive Programs

December 13, 2019

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) today announced a new partnership with Volvo Group North America and Village Automotive Group of Boston that will expand educational and career opportunities for students in the college’s Automotive Technology programs.

“It sounds like philanthropy, but this program is in our own selfish best interest,” Ray Ciccolo, Village Automotive Group Founder and President, told students at the partnership’s official launch event in BFIT’s Automotive Technology Lab. “As much as we love you guys, we wouldn’t be here if we weren’t desperate to get more people into the automotive business. Volvo is very committed to this program.”

The partnership has two major components:

• “Volvo Car University: Vehicle Lease Program for Schools,” a Volvo Group North America program that provides specialized training and access to training cars
• “Work, Learn and Earn,” a new program created by Village Automotive Group that provides student employment and loan repayment opportunities

“We are so fortunate to have employer partners who really understand the value of education and the importance of treating their employees well,” said BFIT President Anthony Benoit.

Volvo Car University: Training and Car Donation

As a participating school in Volvo Group North America’s Volvo Car University, BFIT will send one of its instructors to receive customized training from Volvo focusing on unique technical aspects of Volvos and the software communication with the vehicles. This information will be incorporated into the Automotive curriculum, allowing students to work toward their certification.

Ciccolo and Jose Carballo, Volvo’s Aftersales Market Manager, presented BFIT President Anthony Benoit with the keys to two new Volvo S60 training cars, as well as a subscription and VIDA (Vehicle Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales) license for free. Volvo Car University now includes 11 participating schools across the Northeast.

“At Volvo, we want to attract the top people and encourage them to grow professionally,” said Carballo, who told the BFIT students he started in the industry as an automotive technician and worked his way into the management ranks. “The potential is there for all of you to succeed.”

As BFIT’s sponsoring dealership for the Volvo Car University program, Village Automotive will donate the specialized toolkit needed to maximize the educational aspects of the two new Volvos.

Work, Learn and Earn: Student Employment and Loan Repayment

The new Work, Learn and Earn program was created by Village Automotive Group in partnership with BFIT’s Department of Employers and Corporate Partners.

Automotive students accepted into the program will earn a part-time job at a Village Automotive Dealership, one-on-one mentoring, and the company will refund a portion of their student loans.

Students in all the college’s automotive programs—certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree—are eligible to apply. The goal is to initially offer this opportunity to 4-6 students.

Kevin Mateo, a first-year BFIT student, who works at Village Automotive Group’s Danvers location, is one of the first students accepted into the Work, Learn and Earn program. Mateo said he is extremely excited about the program’s financial rewards and he hopes to have long career with Village Automotive Group.

“Working there has been an awesome experience,” Mateo said. “The environment is really nice and the co-workers are great. It’s everything I could ask for.”

About BFIT

Founded in 1908. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) is a private non-profit college in Boston built to educate students in advanced technologies that align with the needs of high-demand industries in Massachusetts. With a focus on hands-on training in high-growth technical fields, BFIT offers certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields ranging from Automotive to HVAC&R to Electrical Engineering and Opticianry.

Partnerships with industry are one of the hallmarks of BFIT’s approach to technical education. By working with employers, the college can keep abreast of changing needs with regard to skills and training and ensure its students graduate with the expertise the market demands. The college currently collaborates with more than 100 corporate partners, enabling students to forge professional connections, attain relevant work experience, and gain the confidence to land well-paying jobs in technical fields. As a result, BFIT’s current job placement rate is above 90 percent.

Visit our website at bfit.edu to learn more about our academic programs and industry partnerships.