1 Thing We're Talking About: Walser unveils technician training lab

Walser Automotive Group and WSU Tech have taken the wraps off an automotive lab to train technicians and address growing interest in the field as well as make a dent in the shortage of these skilled workers. The TechForce Foundation estimates nearly 500,000 auto techs are needed to fill openings around 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-truck area and 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 its foundation, which designates 5 percent of all pretax earnings to support education and workforce development initiatives.

Wichita is home to nine Walser luxury brand dealerships and 250 employees, many of whom use WSU Tech for its continuing education curriculum. Walser, of Edina, Minn., ranks No. 26 on Automotive News' list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S., with retail sales of 27,585 new vehicles in 2023.

"Walser has made significant efforts to create pathways for emerging technician talent to find a home with us," Randy Lammle, senior vice president of dealership operations at the Walser Auto Campus in Wichita, said in a statement. "WSU Tech has been a vital partner in supporting our techs' growth through classroom education. Strengthening our relationship with the school was an easy decision."

WSU Tech President Sheree Utash applauded the automotive space 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. "These partnerships help us provide quality education and valuable workforce development opportunities."

Nancy Warner, director of the Walser Foundation, said investing in 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," she said in a statement.