Bakersfield College - IDA Endowment Fund Recipient

Three years ago, automotive professors Andrew Haney, CD-SV, and Rick Range, CD-SV, ASE Master | L1 and California State Smog Technicians and state license certified instructors, embarked on a mission to enhance the Automotive Technology training program at Bakersfield College (Bakersfield, California, United States) by introducing automotive detailing. Their combined expertise and extensive experience in the automotive repair industry set the stage for a transformative addition to the curriculum.

The spark that ignited this innovative addition came from a simple yet impactful incident. Rick, armed with his Rupes Bigfoot polisher, took it upon himself to polish half of Andrew's Red BMW trunk lid, leaving the other half for him to correct. Little did they know this prank would rekindle Andrew's lifelong passion for auto detailing.

Andrew owned his own detailing business in Lancaster during high school. He felt a new calling to return to the detailing scene. The revelation struck him as he corrected the rest of his trunk lid and during subsequent conversations about the untapped opportunities in their community.

Rick holds a unique distinction as one of a handful of technicians boasting every single ASE technical certification currently available. He is also World Class certified, a prestigious status held by only around 2500 technicians worldwide, further underscoring his exceptional skill set and commitment to excellence in the automotive realm.

The decision to integrate automotive detailing into the program reflects the forward-thinking approach of this duo. Andrew and Rick's dedication to providing students with a comprehensive education goes beyond the conventional, offering a holistic perspective that aligns with the evolving needs of the automotive industry. Their initiative enriches the academic curriculum and positions Bakersfield College as a hub for innovative automotive education. Introducing detailing into the curriculum is a beacon of progress, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in an industry that continually demands adaptation and expertise.

Fueled by their shared enthusiasm and the industry connections accumulated over their careers, Andrew and Rick envisioned bringing a comprehensive training program to the automotive industry. Andrew often emphasizes to his students and colleagues, "It is not you that makes you good at one thing or another. It is WHO you know, what they know, and where to get the information needed to get the job done right." The duo strongly believes that success in any facet of the Automotive Industry is not solely determined by individual knowledge but is profoundly influenced by a robust network of friends, partnerships, and relationships within and outside the industry.

In their view, success is not just about personal expertise; it's about fostering a network of knowledge that paves the way for excellence. This philosophy aligns with their commitment to instilling in their students the understanding and collaboration needed to cultivate a strong professional network and that it is paramount to success in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

When stepping forward to do this, they never imagined where this program would go and how fast it would become one of the most popular courses offered at the college. As the courses were written and developed, they contacted IDA industry partners to get the program off the ground. Many stepped up and supported the program. Both Rick and Andrew say without partnerships, participation in this program would not be possible. The partnerships made it easy for administrators to get behind this program. As this program developed and administration learned of the importance and opportunities it provides for the community, they were excited to see how this program could grow and teach a trade that will provide a livable income, with little investment to get started.

The crowning moment for the program came in 2023 when Andrew applied for and received the IDA Founder’s Endowment Fund Grant, a $2500 boost that propelled the initiative to new heights. With unwavering support from Bakersfield College's administration, the grant was strategically invested in upgrading the automotive training program's wash bay.

The grant facilitated significant enhancements, including a cutting-edge water treatment and deionizing system, a high-powered pressure washer with a built-in 250-degree heater, and the acquisition of a mobile training trailer. This mobile unit, equipped with a portable water tank, generator, and gas-powered pressure washer, made the program more functional for students and enabled outreach to rural communities. Before this system, they used water from the hose tap and portable gas-powered pressure washers for students to wash vehicles. Now, they have a fantastic wash bay and portable trailer with a tank and entire wash system to use regardless of whether the class is mobile or on campus.

Rick also hosts classes within the youth correctional facility, offering certification to individuals on the cusp of rejoining society after incarceration. His program equips these young individuals with valuable skills in automotive detailing, providing them with immediate earning potential as they transition back into the community.

The significance of Rick's efforts becomes apparent in the context of the challenges those with prior records face. Reentering society can be an uphill battle, often exacerbated by limited opportunities for employment. By offering certification in automotive detailing, Rick provides these individuals with a tangible skill set, transcending barriers, and opening doors to immediate income generation.

The success of the automotive detailing course is evident in its popularity among students, faculty, and community members. Haney says, "Students continuously ask me when the class is running again, saying they want to take it or wish to retake it. This response proves that the detailing industry is strong and projected for growth. As vehicles become more reliable, consumers are keeping them longer and investing more than ever in maintenance, including detailing, coatings, etc., to ensure their cars continue to look as nice, and run as reliable as possible.”

Andrew and Rick express excitement about the program's potential growth and envision becoming IDA Recognized Independent Trainers (RITs) while working towards institutional accreditation from the IDA, allowing them to offer coveted CD-SV certification to dedicated individuals.

All detailing courses and the BC certificate of completion are free to participants. This inclusive approach ensures that financial constraints do not hinder individuals from accessing valuable education and gaining practical skills in automotive detailing.

Enrollment is open to all, and anyone interested can attend if seats are available. With a cap of 21 seats per course, Bakersfield College aims to create an intimate and compelling learning environment for each participant. The community's response to these offerings has been remarkable, with over 100 students having completed the five sections introduced since the program's inception a year and a half ago.

To strengthen the program even more, Andrew and Rick continue to actively seek industry collaborations that are unbiased, transparent, and representative of the participating companies. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, Andrew and Rick understand the importance of accurately representing products and systems in their program. They collaborate with companies to ensure that any representation aligns with the companies' expectations ensuring industry and BC program integrity. To contact Andrew or Rick, you can reach them through the IDA members list or at their college email addresses. Andrew.haney@bakersfieldcollege.edu or richard.range@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.