The Edelbrock Performance Academy at OTC provides
students with the skills necessary to efficiently increase a vehicle’s
performance through planning, installation and modification of high
performance engine components, superchargers, nitrous, fuel injection
systems and more.
The 12-week, 300-hour course consists of nine different
training modules covering intake manifolds and carburetor design, cams
and lifters, cylinder heads, computer tuning, fuel injection, forced
induction, nitrous oxide, data acquisition systems as well as the
history of Edelbrock and the Specialty Equipment Market Association
(SEMA).
"It is important for the students to learn and understand
the origins of Edelbrock and SEMA. We constructed this curriculum with
the help and input from Vic and Christi Edelbrock. So much so, the
Edelbrock Performance Academy will share a resemblance to Vic’s own
garage – right down to the photos on the walls," said Bill Abbott, head
instructor of the Edelbrock Performance Academy at OTC. "The course is
offered to advanced OTC students and features training from the school’s
High Performance and Racing program. This is a true, hands-on course
that’s based on learning through discovery.
"The students will break down many of the parts on their
own and will work on actual vehicles from configuration and installation
to dyno-testing and tuning. As with all OTC classes, the Edelbrock
Performance Academy will focus on more than just mechanics, teaching
students the importance of a strong work ethic, customer service skills
and the technical know-how."
The first-of-its-kind course starts a new class every six
weeks and will hold up to 12 students each to offer optimum one-on-one
training. To watch the Edelbrock Performance Academy grand opening
ceremony, visit http://youtu.be/5vsXAwMRVO4.
The Edelbrock Performance Academy was originated when
Christi Edelbrock, Vice President of Business Development at Edelbrock,
and Justin Brenner, Director of Corporate Development for OTC, met at
SEMA to create a concept of a training course that directly teaches the
manufacturer’s catalog product line.
OTC and Edelbrock spent months diligently developing the
ideal curriculum and facility to help today’s student technician. OTC
learned the Edelbrock philosophy behind its history as well as how its
parts are manufactured to create an authentic course, and received
direct feedback from Christi and Vic during the planning stages.
"Students gain an advantage in the workforce by
completing the Edelbrock Performance Academy by receiving hands-on
training using the latest products from Edelbrock," said Christi
Edelbrock. "This course is ideal for those pursuing a career as an
engine dynamometer test technician at a performance shop or other tuner
positions on a unique builder, race team or at a specialty aftermarket
installer."
Upon completion of the Edelbrock Academy program, the
students receive a certificate signifying their specialized,
high-performance training.
For more information about Ohio Technical
College, visit www.ohiotech.edu.
