Innovative collaboration will expand advanced training opportunities for students on cutting-edge equipment.
Front Range Community College is launching a new partnership with Mazda North American Operations that will significantly strengthen hands-on learning and career pathways for students in the college’s Automotive Technology program. Through the Mazda Automotive Student Training (MAST) program, FRCC students will have access to Mazda-specific online and hands-on training, cutting-edge diagnostic tools and current model year vehicles provided directly by Mazda.
“This collaboration is exactly the type of industry-aligned partnership that helps our students move directly into future-ready jobs,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “We are grateful to Mazda for investing in our students and supporting Colorado’s workforce.”
Practicing on Current Technology
Through this partnership, the company will loan FRCC brand-new, late-model Mazdas that are rotated in annually, giving students the opportunity to practice their skills on the most current Mazda technologies and systems they would see in a dealership. The company will also provide additional vehicles for extended training use, which will remain with the program beyond a single year to support ongoing labs, deeper diagnostics and repeated hands-on practice over multiple semesters.
Mazda is also providing specialized tools, diagnostic software, service information and training materials that mirror what technicians use in Mazda dealerships across the country—including access to the company’s vehicle information system and learning management system.
“This partnership gives our students a true industry-ready experience,” said Soley Belt, Department Chair of Automotive Technology at FRCC. “Access to late-model vehicles and Mazda’s professional diagnostic platforms ensures our students are training on the exact tools and technologies they will see in the field. This strengthens our program and directly supports our students’ pathways into high-demand technician careers.”
Preparing for Future-Ready Jobs
This industry partnership reflects FRCC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality, hands-on workforce training that prepares students for in-demand careers in the automotive and transportation sectors. Students enrolled in the program will benefit from:
- Manufacturer-Aligned Training: Mazda-certified curriculum, tools and training information provide students with highly relevant and employer-recognized skills.
- Hands-On Experience with New Vehicles: FRCC will receive two brand-new Mazda models each year, allowing students to train on current automotive technologies.
- Access to Professional Diagnostic Software: Mazda is lending FRCC specialized test kits, hardware and software subscriptions used by dealership technicians.
- Career-Driven Pathways: Mazda dealers will engage directly with FRCC for recruiting events, strengthening student connections to high-demand technician jobs.
- Opportunities for High-Performing Students: Students who meet GPA and attendance thresholds can enter the elite MAST pathway, enhancing their employability.
A Competitive Hiring Advantage
The MAST program will integrate into FRCC’s Automotive Technology pathway beginning in 2026, and will open to students in the fall semester.
“Mazda is very pleased to partner with FRCC and address the industry wide need for educated technicians together,” said Tim Kosnar, Program Manager for Mazda’s technician recruiting, training and retention programs. “Solutions like the Mazda Automotive Student Training program help properly prepare students for careers in the automotive industry and provide them with a competitive hiring advantage. This comes at a time when our industry, and the greater Denver area, will benefit the most.”
https://blog.frontrange.edu/2026/01/12/frcc-launches-new-automotive-partnership-with-mazda/