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The 35 students of the Automotive Technology class at Escamia Career Readiness Center received some special gifts last week thanks to Peach Ford and Ford Motor Company.

Thomas Fischer, instructor for the class, said the donation will make preparing for the real world of automotive repairs and diagnostics better for his students.

“The motors and transmissions donated are more up to date than what we previously had for the class,” Fischer said. “Along with those major components, the donation of tools will help the students be better able to keep up with changes in automotive technology.”

Richard Dye with Ford Motor company said he was happy to see this donation come to a reality.

“It’s no secret that trades need some focus,” Dye said. “We are happy to do this for them. Thes are not the newest components, but they incorporate a lot of new technology that will allow them to train and have on newer products. That will allow them to have a chance to work on these newer components and have some experience before moving to a shop or dealership to work.”

The Escambia Career Readiness Center is a hands-on learning center featuring a wide range of classes including law and public safety, business, masonry, automotive technology, building construction, horticulture, healthcare, industrial maintenance and welding.

The school is open to students in Escambia County including W.S. Neal, T.R. Miller and Flomaton.

The center is located at 2824 Pea Ridge Road and is under the leadership of Sabrina Wilson as principal and Todd Williamson as director of Career Technical programs.