WEST ORANGE, N.J., May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (NASDAQ: LINC), a national leader in specialized technical training, has entered into a contract with Volkswagen to provide manufacturer-specific career training to students at its Mahwah, NJ campus. Students will have the opportunity to build enhanced automotive career skills while working on vehicles donated by the manufacturer.

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"We are consistently hearing from our industry partners that automotive dealerships can't find enough skilled, trained technicians to meet their hiring needs," says Lincoln Tech CEO Scott Shaw. "We partner with companies like Volkswagen to give our students the opportunity to overcome that skills gap. Our graduates stand out to hiring managers because they've built experience directly on the technology these companies employ in their new vehicles."

The automotive industry is projected to add nearly a quarter of a million jobs nationally by 2024, according to careeronestop.org, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. "The majority of these roles aren't for people who just turn wrenches," Shaw notes. "These careers call for advanced technical skills on diagnostic equipment and computerized automotive components. Lincoln Tech training can help future technicians develop these vital skills."

Through the new Volkswagen training program, students have the opportunity to apply for additional courses which supplement Lincoln Tech's Automotive Technology program. These courses will build their familiarity with VW-specific servicing, maintenance and roadside assistance skills. Volkswagen, which joins Audi, a VW brand, as a Lincoln Tech training partner, will provide the program curriculum. The manufacturer will also provide equipment and late-model cars on which students will train. Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for Volkswagen certification in Maintenance and Light Repair, and will be prepared for more rigorous Volkswagen Fast Track training.

For nearly 70 years, Lincoln Tech has worked closely with employers to determine the skills hiring managers need in new candidates, and to continually train and graduate technicians who possess those skills. Hands-on real-world training centered on core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts leaves students well-positioned to pursue careers with leading companies such as Volkswagen.

"Volkswagen recognizes Lincoln Tech as one of the nation's best technical schools," according to Brian Murray, Volkswagen's Lead Technical Curriculum Designer. "Lincoln schools provide foundational knowledge that helps new technicians get their foot in the door, and the 'soft skills' Lincoln emphasizes are important because our diagnostic technicians often need to communicate directly with our customers."

"There are great opportunities within Volkswagen for technicians who can quickly and effectively diagnose cars," Murray adds.

"The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, stressing computerized technology more than ever before," Shaw says. "Graduates need intricate technical skills to be successful in the field, and it's a field where graduates can earn competitive salaries while enjoying going to work each day because they started out as people who love cars."

"We thank Volkswagen for their commitment to helping train the next generation of auto technicians," says Rob Paganini, President of the Lincoln Tech campus in Mahwah, NJ. "We look forward to helping to produce quality technicians for their dealerships, and we're proud to be able to offer this program to our students."

About Lincoln Educational Services Corporation

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education. Lincoln offers recent high school graduates and working adults career-oriented programs in five principal areas of study: automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades, business and information technology, and hospitality services. Lincoln has provided the workforce with skilled technicians since its inception in 1946.

Lincoln currently operates 30 campuses in 15 states under four brands: Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences, and Lincoln College of New England. Lincoln also operates Lincoln Culinary Institutes in the states of Connecticut, Maryland and Florida.

For more information, go to lincolntech.edu.

Contact Information
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation
Peter Tahinos
(973) 736-9340x49233
ptahinos@lincolntech.edu

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SOURCE Lincoln Educational Services Corporation