Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) in Kirkland has entered into a partnership with Audi of America, Inc. (Audi) that includes a 2015 Audi Q3 crossover for student training. The car, which is valued at $32,500 MSRP, allows LWTech’s Auto Repair Technician students to have hands-on experience with the latest automotive technologies.

As part of the agreement, at least five LWTech graduates will be placed for employment at a local Audi-brand dealer each year. This isn’t the first time Audi and LWTech have worked together to help students get industry experience. For the last two years, the college hosted Audi Appreciation Day on campus. However, this is the first time both organizations have come together to provide a turnkey program by entering into a formal partnership through the Audi Educational Partnership Program. LWTech is the only college in the Northwest, at the Premium Plus level, that received a car.

It takes the average student two years to graduate from LWTech’s Auto Repair Technician program with an associate degree, which is standard for entering the industry. Classes take place between 7 a.m. and noon by design so students can have the option to work at a local Audi dealership in the afternoon. Students who earn the associate degree can continue their education to obtain a bachelor’s degree at LWTech in Transportation and Logistics Management.

Nolan Koreski, faculty for LWTech’s Auto Repair Technician program, said some students graduate from this program with no debt because they make enough to support themselves and pay tuition by working at local dealerships in the afternoon.

Boris Chong, area manager at Audi, stated the median salary for Auto Repair Technicians in the Pacific Northwest ranges from $47,000 – $62,000. Audi has three participating local dealerships in Bellevue, Seattle, and Tacoma.