Discover Mobility Careers
A comprehensive guide to Washtenaw Community College’s
Advanced Transportation Center
SMART CITIES: A CONNECTED WAY FORWARD “It’s our role to prepare students for emerging technologies in the workforce. We have listened to what the employers in our region have been saying. And what we heard them say is that we need employees who have talent in the areas where technology and manufacturing intersect.” – Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, President, Washtenaw Community College
Changes in technology are making a big impact on communities and their ability to provide improved livability, workability and sustainability. Future smart cities will change not only the infrastructure but also the way we work and live.
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WHAT IS ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION? “As Washtenaw Community College defines advanced transportation, it is that intersection between IT and advanced manufacturing.” – Susan Proctor, Strategic Initiatives Director, Global Attraction & Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation [MEDC]
Advanced transportation is the area where advanced manufacturing and information technology intersect. Advanced transportation includes connected and autonomous vehicles and the supporting infrastructure and technology that will form smart cities of the future. Emerging transformations in technology are also opening doors to new career opportunities. Existing and future workers will need to have the skills that can support smart cities and advanced transportation. Through its Advanced Transportation Center, Washtenaw Community College is playing an important role in developing curriculum and training to support the emerging technology in these key areas:
ϐ Intelligent Transportation Systems ϐ Advanced Automotive Service and Repair ϐ Lightweight Materials/Manufacturing
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WCC: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION “There’s no school in the region quite like Washtenaw Community College with their ability to regularly update their programs to align with industry trends. This ensures that graduates have the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the transportation field.” – Henry Liu, Director - University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), and Director Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT), Bruce D. Greenshields Collegiate Professor of Engineering University of Michigan
ϐ Preparing students for careers in emerging mobility infrastructure technologies
ϐ Creating a pipeline to develop talent for high-skill careers
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GRADUATE PROFILE “I was always interested in automotive in some form, and WCC has not only given me a lot of opportunities to excel in all things auto but prepared me for the applied or practical side of it.” – Alex Spencer, WCC Graduate
Today, Alex Spencer is shaping the next generation of automotive workers as a full-time instructor at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. Just a few years ago, he was a student at Washtenaw Community College, building the foundation for his career. At WCC, Spencer earned two associate degrees – Automotive Test Technician and Automotive Service Technology – while also being an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Thanks to an articulation agreement between WCC and Eastern Michigan University (EMU), many of his courses transferred, giving him a cost-effective head start. He completed his bachelor’s in technology management in just one year and is now pursuing a master’s at EMU. A lifelong learner with a passion for cars, Alex enrolled in nearly every course WCC’s Automotive Department offered. The college’s hands-on approach helped him turn curiosity into expertise. “If something broke, I could always take it apart, but I’d also have to figure out why it broke in the first place. You have to know the cause to be able to correct it, and we talk a lot about that here,” says Spencer, pointing to WCC’s emphasis on the “Three Cs” approach — Concern, Cause, Correction. Spencer’s journey shows how WCC’s programs and partnerships open doors to education, career advancement, and the opportunity to inspire future generations. 10
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FACULTY PROFILE “I have a deep, deep appreciation for the role WCC serves to the community.” – Edward Szurek, WCC Faculty
Name: Edward Szurek
Title: Professional Faculty, Computer Science and Information Technology
Szurek started his career in mobility at WCC and completed his bachelor’s degree in Technology Management at Eastern Michigan University. As a full-time network engineer, Ed began teaching networking courses part-time at WCC. “I love WCC. I was a WTMC and WCC student. I transferred to EMU but strongly preferred the student experience I had at WCC. I made many great relationships that changed my life for the better. I’ve come back again and again over the years, because the quality we offer is superb and the value unbeatable.” “The field of cybersecurity is already among the highest in demand, and it will continue to grow even more rapidly to keep up with market demand and trends. For our students, this means a tremendous opportunity!”
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FACULTY PROFILE “At WCC, we are making a positive impact on people’s lives.” – Michael Galea, WCC Faculty
Name: Michael Galea
Title: Professional Faculty Emeritus, Computer Science and Information Technology After spending 15 years in industry, Michael Galea joined Washtenaw Community College to teach subjects in his industry - subjects that change with the times. As a computer information system faculty member, he likes to say, “We live on shifting sands,” when talking about the evolving world of technology. In fact, everything Galea teaches today he has learned over the last decade. Students who study the field can go on to become software developers, network engineers or cybersecurity analysts.
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STEP INTO THE FUTURE WITH WASHTENAW COMMUNITY COLLEGE “Washtenaw Community College plays a critical role in the advancement of the future transportation workforce because they connect students with faculty who are leaders in areas including automation, cybersecurity and electric vehicles.” – Henry Liu, Director - University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and Greenshields Collegiate Professor of Engineering - University of Michigan
“WCC is far ahead of most vocational institutions. The college is the leader for studies of mobility and automotive electrification. Their students are well equipped to be the technicians of the future.” -Tom Butman, General Manager of Butman Ford Dealership
WCC is positioned to prepare the future and existing workforce with training that supports smart cities and advanced transportation in these crucial topics:
ϐ Big data and business analytics ϐ Information protection and cybersecurity ϐ Mobility and connected vehicles ϐ Platform management ϐ Project management and process improvement ϐ Software programming and networking 14
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MOBILITY SOLUTIONS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION WORKFORCE “The vision that WCC has is that it’s focused on what those new jobs are going to be and helping develop curriculum and training programs that will prepare the workforce.” – Paul Krutko, President and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK
WCC is leading the way in education and training for careers in connected and autonomous vehicles. The hands-on teamwork and active interdisciplinary learning approach that is inherent at WCC aligns with many of the key competencies that are desired by employers, such as:
ϐ Accountability
ϐ Initiative
ϐ Adaptability and flexibility
ϐ Systems thinking
ϐ Creativity
ϐ Problem solving and
ϐ Critical and analytical thinking ϐ Customer focus
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decision making
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ALUMNI PROFILE “The attention and support that faculty and staff provide students at WCC is unmatched.” – Emily Williams, WCC Graduate
Emily Williams learned of Washtenaw Community College’s Automotive Services Technology program through her father who worked with several WCC alumni at General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan. After graduating with a degree in automotive services, she accepted a full-time position there. Williams currently works as a fuel cell test technician, having served in previous positions as a sled test technician and metal fabricator. Williams’ attendance at WCC has allowed her to find a new career and land a full-time job. WCC offers numerous certificate programs in the automotive industry, including welding, collision repair and service technology.
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FACULTY PROFILE Name: Allen Day
Title: Professional Faculty, Transportation Technologies “WCC continues to be a leader in creating training that prepares students for careers in the latest mobility technologies. With our robust fleet of electric vehicles featuring products from a variety of manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Ford, Tesla and others, students gain handson experience with the technologies they will encounter in today’s and tomorrow’s automotive industry. This diverse fleet allows the Transportation Technologies Department to continuously enhance our curriculum with the latest battery electric vehicle content while providing students with the skills to diagnose, repair and calibrate advanced driver assistance systems across multiple vehicle platforms. We are excited by our work with electric vehicles, automotive cybersecurity and our other mobility offerings, which continue to be recognized and supported through an array of grant funding and partnerships across the state. Most importantly, we are proud to be making a real impact on students and helping build the skilled workforce needed for this rapidly evolving industry.” – Allen Day, Prof Faculty Auto Services
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ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLE STUDIES Recognizing the automotive industry’s rapid transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid technologies and connected vehicle systems, Washtenaw Community College (WCC) has established itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of mobility professionals. Through its Transportation Technologies, Automotive Cybersecurity and Advanced Manufacturing programs, WCC equips students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to support today’s evolving automotive and mobility industries. The continued growth of WCC’s Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Studies program and its state-of-the-art training fleet has been made possible through the support of competitive grant funding and strong industry partnerships. These investments have enabled the college to develop and deliver specialized curricula in electric vehicle technologies, including battery system diagnostics, battery management systems, EV charging infrastructure, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle technologies – all aligned with current and emerging industry needs. Today, students train on a robust fleet of late-model electric and electrified vehicles from leading manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Ford, Tesla, Chevrolet, Nissan and others. This diverse collection provides valuable hands-on experience across multiple vehicle platforms, technologies and diagnostic systems, ensuring graduates are prepared to work with the broad range of electric vehicles broad range of electric vehicles entering the market. The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain program, integrated within WCC’s broader Mobility Program, provides students in the Transportation Technologies and Automotive Cybersecurity programs with practical, real-world experience. In addition, WCC’s Advanced Manufacturing program incorporates EV battery and semiconductor manufacturing technologies, preparing graduates with the interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed across the rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem.
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WCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES Christina Fleming Chair
Diana McKnight-Morton Trustee
Angela Davis Vice Chair
William G. Milliken Jr. Trustee
Ruth A. Hatcher Secretary
Eileen Peck Trustee
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D. WCC President
David DeVarti Treasurer
Drive Your Future
Scan to explore WCC's Transportation Technologies programs
For more information: Washtenaw Community College 4800 E. Huron River Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105 wccnet.edu/atc 734-973-3628
What do you call someone who attended WCC? Employed.® Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate in its programs or activities. For title IX or ADA/504 inquiries, call 734-677-5477. For facilities access inquiries, call 734-677-5322.For legal, compliance and accreditation information, visit wccnet.edu/disclosures. You may also call 734-973-3300 for information about WCC. Washtenaw Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411 800-621-7440. 8/2026 250