Partnership helps students train for future

Business and education worked hand in hand last week at Gallatin High School as a local industry’s donation will help students train for the future.

PK Tennessee in cooperation with Subaru of Indiana Automotive donated a 2003 Axiom to the automotive technology class at the school.

Automotive instructor Rick Robertson said the car will be used to train advanced automotive technology students on just how to use the latest diagnostic equipment on new vehicles.

“This will help our students learn the latest techniques,” Robertson said, adding the school through vocational grants has modern diagnostic equipment.

But it needed a vehicle to test and train on, he said.

“Things have changed so much in the automotive mechanics and if you don’t change with it, you will be left behind,” Robertson said.

Bill Kent, with PK USA said the company was happy it could help in bringing the vehicle to the school to benefit students.

“This is something we wanted so badly to happen,” Kent said.

PK Tennessee plant manager Lloyd Rose, said he appreciates the cooperation being given by Subaru.

“We are very excited about Subaru of Indiana donating this vehicle to Gallatin. From what I understand, this is the first time in the history of Subaru a vehicle has been donated to a school system outside of Indiana. We appreciate our customer, Subaru, providing the donation and know it will be put to good use by the students,” Rose said.

Gallatin High senior Justin Hicks, an advanced automotive technology student confirmed the Subaru will be helpful.

“I think we will learn a lot from it,” he said. “It will let us use the latest technology.”

Senior Roy Hagen agreed, stating the experience will serve the needs of students.

Robertson said there are currently about 60 students in the automotive technology program, with 20 in the advanced class who will train of the Axiom.

“This vehicle will be an important asset to our automotive technology program at Gallatin High,” said Ron Hosse, supervisor of secondary education and career/technical education for Sumner County schools.

“It is vitally important for our students to be exposed to the latest automotive systems. This donation will afford our students with the opportunity to learn on a state-of-the-art vehicle,” Hosse said, adding the school system is thankful for the help from business.

Rick Johnson with Subaru of Indiana said his company was happy to contribute to the school and to work with one of the industries that supplies it with parts.

The donation by PK Tennessee is a good example of the type of corporate citizen the company is, said Gallatin High principal Benny Bills.

“We appreciate them so much and we are delighted that they came to Gallatin,” Bills said. “They are a great asset to our community.

Tracy Carman, executive director of the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce echoed those sentiments.

“PK Tennessee has quickly become a vital part of the Gallatin community by understanding the benefits of being involved with our youth and the education system,” she said.

PK USA is the primary supplier of metal body parts and plastic injection parts for automotive companies throughout the world. The company has annual sales of $100 million and opened its plant in Gallatin, PK Tennessee, in May, 2004.

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