Norwich Technical High School Launches Program to Address Emissions Tester Shortage

Norwich Technical High School, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), announced the successful pilot of a program aimed at tackling the shortage of emissions technicians in Connecticut. Through a unique partnership with Opus Inspection, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and CTECS, automotive students at Norwich Tech have been trained and certified to become Certified Test Inspectors, offering a valuable solution to the employment needs of dealerships and repair shops across the state while offering students a vital stepping stone into the automotive industry.

“At CTECS, we are committed to providing our students with innovative opportunities that prepare them for success in the automotive industry,” said Dr. Ellen Solek, CTECS Executive Director. “Through this program, our students gain valuable skills and certifications that make them highly sought-after by repair shops and dealerships, ultimately creating new employment opportunities for our graduates.”

Notably, Norwich Tech automotive students are prepared to undertake dual roles as emissions testers and qualified automotive repair technicians. This multifaceted approach addresses the shortage of emissions testers but also fulfills the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of diagnosing and repairing vehicles.

The collaboration between Opus, the DMV, and CTECS has been instrumental in bringing this program to fruition. Opus has provided state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive curriculum resources, while teachers underwent specialized training to train the automotive students.

“Opus is proud to partner with CTECS and DMV in creating this exciting training curriculum for Connecticut’s technical high school students,” said Jack Pierce, Opus Program Manager. “Our shared goal of helping to clean Connecticut’s air is well aligned with our mission to provide good jobs for qualified technicians. Opus thanks all involved for making this program a reality.”

“The pilot program at Norwich Technical High School is a culmination of collaborative efforts,” said DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunities it will provide to students enrolled in the CTECS Automotive Program, as well as those it will present to our state’s automotive industry.”

“Congratulations to the automotive program teachers and students at Norwich Tech, and the technicians at Opus on the successful launch of this important program,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Air quality is a challenge in Connecticut, and we’ve long been unable to meet health-based standards for air quality, particularly when it comes to ozone, also known as smog. The transportation sector is the leading contributor of harmful greenhouse gas emissions in our state, and is responsible for 67% of smog-forming air pollution. Emissions inspection and maintenance programs are an essential element of our clean air strategy and one of our best tools to combat emissions from mobile sources and we will need trained inspectors to continue to help keep our air clean in the years to come.”

Employers in the automotive industry are poised to benefit greatly from this initiative. By hiring graduates of this program, repair shops and dealerships gain access to technicians who are ready to contribute from day one, without the need for additional training or credentialing expenses.

Plans are underway to expand the initiative to 17 additional automotive programs within the CTECS state-wide school district. Each year a total of over 220 students will graduate from CTECS’ automotive programs.