5 Shocking Ways The Hendrick Center For Automotive Excellence Is Redefining The Mechanic’s Future
The automotive industry is undergoing a revolution, and the skills required of modern technicians are evolving at an unprecedented rate. Gone are the days of simple wrench-turning; today’s mechanics must be fluent in complex computer diagnostics, hybrid powertrains, and, most critically, high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) systems. To meet this massive workforce demand, a new gold standard in technical education has emerged: the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence.
Opened in partnership with Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech), this state-of-the-art, $42 million facility is not just a school—it's a high-tech training ground designed to bridge the skills gap between traditional automotive repair and the future of mobility. The center is a powerful testament to the vision of its namesake, Rick Hendrick, and his commitment to developing a pipeline of highly skilled, certified technicians for the entire industry.
The Visionary Behind the Excellence: Rick Hendrick and the Automotive Legacy
The establishment of the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence is deeply rooted in the legacy of one of the most powerful and influential figures in the automotive and motorsports worlds, Rick Hendrick. His commitment to technical education and workforce development has spanned decades, ensuring a continuous supply of top talent for the Hendrick Automotive Group and beyond.
- Full Name: Joseph Riddick "Rick" Hendrick III
- Born: July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina
- Title: Chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and Owner of Hendrick Motorsports
- Business Empire: Hendrick Automotive Group is one of the largest privately held dealership groups in the United States, operating over 90 dealerships across 13 states.
- Motorsports Success: Hendrick Motorsports is one of NASCAR's most successful teams, with numerous Cup Series championships.
- Philanthropy: A long-time advocate for education, his support for technical colleges is a cornerstone of his philanthropic efforts.
- Family Legacy: The automotive training centers are also a tribute to his family, including the Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology, named after his father.
The Wake Tech facility, officially opening with a ribbon-cutting attended by Governor Roy Cooper, represents the pinnacle of this commitment, setting a new benchmark for technical training nationwide.
1. Pioneering the Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Revolution
The single most critical and timely feature of the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence is its aggressive focus on electric vehicle technology. As every major manufacturer shifts production to EVs, the demand for technicians who can safely and effectively service these complex machines has exploded. The center is directly addressing this crisis.
Securing the Future with Federal Grants
In a major development, the center recently secured a significant federal grant—almost $940,000—specifically to jumpstart and expand its electric vehicle training program. This funding is crucial for acquiring the specialized tools, high-voltage training equipment, and curriculum development needed to stay ahead of the curve. Students are trained on diagnostics, battery pack repair, thermal management systems, and the crucial safety protocols required when working with high-voltage components.
This EV focus ensures that graduates are immediately marketable, not just for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but for the next generation of transportation. The program is designed to create EV Certified Technicians who can step into dealership service bays and independent repair shops with confidence.
2. A $42 Million Facility That Reimagines the Classroom
The Wake Tech Hendrick Center is a massive, purpose-built facility that completely redefines the learning environment. It is not a dusty, outdated vocational school; it is a bright, modern, and highly functional space that mirrors a high-end dealership service center or a motorsports garage.
The $42 million investment resulted in a state-of-the-art building that consolidates the college’s Automotive Systems and Collision Repair programs, which were previously split across different locations. This centralization fosters a collaborative environment, allowing students to understand the full lifecycle of a vehicle.
Award-Winning Architecture and Design
The quality of the facility's design has even earned it external recognition. It received a 2022 Sir Walter award and was recognized by *Fast Company Magazine* for setting a new standard for automotive repair education. Designed by Gensler and built by Brasfield & Gorrie, the architecture itself is a teaching tool, showcasing modern industrial design and efficiency. The center’s layout includes:
- Dozens of vehicle bays and lifts, providing hands-on experience.
- Dedicated labs for engine performance, climate control, and brake systems.
- High-tech paint booths and frame straighteners for the Collision Repair curriculum.
- Smart classrooms and computer labs for advanced diagnostics training.
3. The Dual-Focus Curriculum: Automotive Systems and Collision Repair
The center’s curriculum is comprehensive, covering the entire spectrum of automotive technology. Students enroll in either the Automotive Systems Technology program or the Collision Repair program, but both benefit from the shared, cutting-edge resources of the Hendrick Center.
Automotive Systems Technology
This track provides a deep dive into the mechanical and electronic workings of modern vehicles. Students progress from basic maintenance to advanced troubleshooting, covering all major systems:
- Engine Repair and Performance Diagnostics
- Steering and Suspension Systems
- Manual and Automatic Transmissions
- Brake Systems (including ABS and electronic stability control)
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Advanced Electrical and Electronic Systems
Collision Repair and Refinishing
The collision track trains students not just to fix dents, but to restore modern vehicles to their pre-accident condition, which often involves complex structural and electronic repairs. This is crucial for new vehicles built with specialized materials and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
4. Building Topical Authority: The Hendrick Center Network
The Wake Tech location is the crown jewel, but it is part of a broader, long-standing commitment by Rick Hendrick and the Hendrick Automotive Group to technical education across the Carolinas. This network of centers establishes unparalleled topical authority in the field of automotive training.
- Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology (CPCC): Located at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte, this was one of the first major partnerships, established over 20 years ago. It has a long history of training technicians for the Charlotte metropolitan area.
- Hendrick Center for Automotive Training (RichmondCC): A more recent addition, a 10,000-square-foot facility is located on the Hamlet Campus of Richmond Community College (RichmondCC). This center focuses on serving the workforce needs of the Sandhills region of North Carolina.
This multi-campus approach ensures that high-quality, industry-backed training is accessible to students across North Carolina, creating a robust talent pipeline for the entire region.
5. Direct Pathway to High-Paying Careers
The ultimate goal of the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence is not just education—it’s employment. The partnership with Hendrick Automotive Group, a massive employer with numerous dealerships, provides students with a direct and highly desirable career pathway. The center's curriculum is constantly updated to meet the real-world needs of dealerships, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one.
Graduates from these programs are highly sought after, often receiving multiple job offers before graduation. The focus on cutting-edge skills like EV training and advanced collision repair translates directly into higher starting salaries and long-term career stability in a field that is only becoming more technical and in-demand. This commitment to the future workforce solidifies the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence as a true leader in technical education.
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