WCC News Story Archive: Transportation Technologies

WCC students converting 1974 Volkswagen into electric vehicle

Fran LeFort - April 27, 2026

Students in Washtenaw Community College’s Transportation Technologies programs are bringing a 1974 Volkswagen Thing into the electric age by converting the vintage vehicle into a fully electric car as part of a hands-on learning project.

tags: Advanced Transportation Center, Transportation Technologies, Automotive Refinishing, Auto Body, Automotive Services, Electric Vehicles

60 Stories: Tom Butman is a WCC alum and valued employer partner

Fran LeFort - December 14, 2025

As an industry board member for the past 12 years, Tom Butman helps to guide the college’s curriculum to meet industry workforce needs.

tags: Alumni Profile, 60 Stories, Transportation Technologies

From the President: Preparing the workforce of tomorrow starts today

Dr. Rose B. Bellanca - November 17, 2025

At WCC, our mission has always been rooted in the future — preparing students not only for today’s jobs, but for the opportunities that will define tomorrow.

tags: On The Record, Transportation Technologies, Electric Vehicles, November 2025, Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, President's Column, Advanced Transportation Center

60 Stories: Restoring a Chevelle at WCC catapulted Colby McLaughlin to dream career

Terry Jacoby - October 31, 2025

Willis native Colby McLaughlin is president and board member at Trim Illusion Holdings. He began the dream career at WCC.

tags: Launch Winter 2026, Custom Cars and Concepts, 60 Stories, 60th Anniversary, Launch, Transportation Technologies, Auto Body Repair

WCC's new EV lab fuels Michigan's leadership in electric transportation and next-gen mobility workforce

Fran LeFort - October 13, 2025

tags: On The Record, Automotive Services, Electric Vehicles, November 2025, EV, Transportation Technologies

Delayed dreams lead back to WCC for new faculty member

Rich Rezler - December 05, 2024

Transportation Technologies instructor Kenneth Lewis took a circuitous path to his current career path.

tags: December 2024, Automotive Services, Faculty Profile, Transportation Technologies, On The Record

WCC rolls prize-winning custom cars into Detroit Autorama

Fran LeFort - February 23, 2023

Fresh off two first place prizes at an elite national roadshow earlier this month, Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will showcase student-built custom cars at the 2023 Autorama in Detroit this weekend.

tags: Custom Cars and Concepts, Transportation Technologies, hotrods, Auto Body Repair

WCC instructor highlights innovation at global conference

WCC Public Relations - December 01, 2022

Allen Day, a 24-year faculty member of WCC’s Transportation Technologies department, spoke during the International Conference on Innovation, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (ICIAITEE) held in November.

tags: Transportation Technologies, Advanced Transportation Center, Faculty Profile, Automotive Cybersecurity

WCC showcases EV and cybersecurity training at North American International Auto Show

Fran LeFort - September 13, 2022

WCC will attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, highlighting its programs to prepare the EV and mobility workforce of today and tomorrow.

tags: Transportation Technologies, Mobility, Advanced Transportation Center, North America International Auto Show, EV, Smart Vehicles, Automotive Cybersecurity

Skilled trades careers are high-tech, high-demand and high-wage

Rich Rezler - August 16, 2022

Professional trades careers in Michigan pay about 39% higher than the statewide average for all occupations. Those same careers often require less schooling and student debt than a four-year degree.

tags: Automotive Services, Launch Fall 2022, Advanced Manufacturing, HVAC, Engineering, Automotive Powertrain Development, Construction, Transportation Technologies, Launch, Auto Body Repair, Welding and Fabrication, Motorcycle Service, Skilled Trades