Arkansas State University-Beebe is enhancing its automotive technology curriculum with the addition of the Toyota Lexus TECS Elite training program at its Searcy campus. This initiative, in collaboration with Parker Lexus of Little Rock and Toyota, aims to provide advanced automotive training and certification for students.
“The collaboration with Parker Lexus and Toyota allows us to provide our students with opportunities and access to industry-leading training and certification,” said Dr. Jennifer Methvin, chancellor at ASU-Beebe. “It reflects our commitment to equipping our students with the skills needed for successful careers in the automotive industry.”
Katie Davidson, service manager and program coordinator at Parker Lexus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
“We are so excited to start this partnership with ASU-Beebe,” she said. “This relationship will ultimately benefit our community and state in producing highly trained technicians.”
The TECS Elite program is designed to equip high school and college students with the skills necessary to become proficient Toyota/Lexus technicians.
“The ultimate goal of the TECS Elite program is to educate students to the level in which they can seamlessly transition into technician roles at Toyota or Lexus dealerships,” said Mike Dingler, director of the Regional Career Center. “This partnership offers our students opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and ultimately, employment.”
Students in the program will have access to Toyota-specific tools and two new vehicles—a Toyota Corolla and a Tacoma truck—for hands-on training. The curriculum includes maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing Toyota-manufactured vehicles, with students earning certifications that are recorded in the Toyota Technician Database for future employment verification.
For more information on the program, visit the ASU-Beebe website.
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