The doubling of laboratory space and a $30,000 equipment investment are ushering in the new motorcycle technology program at Chattanooga State Technical Community College.

A key component of the new college-wide “Motorsports Initiative,” motorcycle technology is expanding the existing marine technology program to provide career-skills instruction in both specialties.
Jimmy Jones, creator of the motorcycle program, said, “We’re giving the graduate more employment choices and flexibility in career choices. Locally, there’s a great demand for year around motorcycle and marine repair and maintenance.”
Mr. Jones said applications are being accepted now for admission to the one-year, day program, which enrolls a maximum of 18 students. No GED is required.

Tennessee residents of any age can qualify for a Tennessee Lottery grant to attend the program, which is a part of the Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) located at Chattanooga State. The TTC houses 18 career programs taking one year or less to complete.

Mr. Jones, who is department head of the TTC’s transportation programs—including automotive, auto body and diesel technologies—said the motorcycle technology will include instruction in state-of-the-art systems, including internal combustion engines; electronic, ignition, hydraulic and fuel systems theory; and computerized diagnostics.
He explained that including computerized diagnostics in the curriculum required the addition of a $30,000 dynamometer, which tests and measures a variety of engine functions, including emissions and performance.
Laboratory space has been increased by 50 percent to accommodate the addition of motorcycles on which students will work to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Greg McGocklin, a member of the community committee that advises the motorcycle and marine program, is a 30-year veteran of the motorcycle and marine maintenance business. As a measurement of the demand for trained technicians, Mr. McGlocklin calculates that if only five percent of Hamilton County’s 6,455 registered motorcycles need service of some type per week—whether the need is new tires or more serious care, such as accident rehabilitation—“That’s about 323.”

It’s not just Hamilton County motorcycles, however, that are in need of care by a specialist: Mr. McGlocklin, who is service manager at White’s Cycle & Marine, says that at this time of year an average of 400 motorcycles and boats receive some type of service at White’s each week.

And he added, “If a person is naturally mechanically inclined, if you like doing this kind of work…and you have your credentials, you’ll be able to get a job just about anywhere you want to live.”
For information, telephone Jimmy Jones at 423-697-3178, or e-mail jimmy.jones@chattanoogastate.edu or Suzanne Myatt (Suzanne.Myatt@chattanoogastate.edu) at (423)697-3283.

Chattanooga State  | - |  Tennessee Technology Center Division  | - | Programs