September 18, 2019—Hendrick Automotive has gifted Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, N.C. $1 million, according to the community college’s website. The new facility will also go under the name of “Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence.”

“There is a major demand for auto service technicians throughout our industry,” said Rick Hendrick, chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group. “At our company alone, we currently have 500 openings for techs, and that need will only grow in the coming years. With so many opportunities out there, it’s important that we find partners like Wake Tech. They care about their students and teaching advanced skills. As our manufacturer partners look to the future, Wake Tech will give people the training they need to build rewarding careers. When they graduate, our company and others in the auto industry will line up to hire them.”

The new 100,000-square-foot facility will allow more than double the number of students into its program (from 90 to 200) and will add a new degree program in collision repair. Hendrick Automotive’s gift will provide funds for new technology and equipment, scholarships for students, and help recruit and retain expert faculty.

Construction is scheduled to begin next month and is expected to be ready for classes in Fall 2021.