Morrisville State hosts automotive training fair

Dave Tucci has had his share of the limelight through his hot rod business, having been featured on national television shows like TNN's Trucks, ESPN, Street Rodder and the popular Monster Garage.



This week, Tucci, the owner of Tucci Hot Rods in Marcy, a leader in the industry for its creative, innovative and customized designs, was at the Morrisville State campus teaching automotive instructors the tricks of his trade.



Tucci was among those who taught a variety of seminars during the 28th annual four-day automotive training fair held at the college.



Known for his specialty sheet metal fabrication, Tucci taught a metal working seminar that drew a crowd in the college's state-of-the art body shop.



“I thought this would be really cool to check out,” said Jeff Staheli, an automotive instructor at Monroe #1 BOCES in Fairport, who attended Tucci's seminar to gain required industry training hours.



“This is a great chance for us to come down and get our training in a few days as opposed to having to take classes at multiple locations,” Staheli said. “It also enables us to stay current with the trade, learn about new equipment in the industry and to network with other teachers from other vocational facilities.”



Among those teaching seminars were Morrisville State auto instructors who volunteer annually at the training fair which featured guest speakers and classes that included axle setup, TIG welding aluminum, Snap-On diagnostics and alternative fuels.



“This fair is an important opportunity for auto instructors,” said Ron Alexander, chair of the automotive department and a 1989 graduate of the college's automotive technology associate degree program. “Participants get the training and certification they need while getting to network with other vocational instructors and see our top-notch auto facilities.”



The college's facilities include an award-winning Automotive Technology Building with nine state-of-the art laboratories and a showroom, and an Auto Body Building with a modern-day lab, superior air purification equipment, a laser measuring device capable of determining frame damage, and a Garmat Paint Station.



Morrisville State College's automotive program started in 1933 with one degree. Today, the college offers bachelor's degrees in automotive technology and automotive technology management and associate degrees in automotive technology and auto body technology, and has approximately 275 automotive students.