HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Automotive manufacturer Subaru is helping put students' careers in the fast lane by giving them the opportunity to take a tuition-free, grant funded program in the world of automotive tech.

"Students that come to us, it's not lack of determination or lack of ability that keeps them from being successful, it's a lack of access to resources. The fact that a program like this can provide them with tuition, money for tools, and then access to employers before graduation really changes their lives, and that's really what we're all about," remarked CCC President Dr. Bill Mullaney.

CCC's Automotive Technology Program along with Subaru University is creating entry-level apprentice technicians through a groundbreaking new program. With modern day vehicles becoming more computerized, understanding vehicle repair is more important than ever as dealerships continue to bolster their workforces.

"We're seeing computers, networking, hybrid vehicles, EV vehicles, fuel injection, technology is more complex and the computers are extremely fast compared to what they used to be. We're talking milliseconds and microseconds data speeds, which is crazy. And you have to have the skills to actually work with it," said CCC's Director of Automotive Trades Jason Kellogg.

The length of the program and the resources it provides gives students a opportunity to further their technical careers. While at the same time providing life-changing education.

"This is something that I've been surrounded by almost my entire life and I feel like this would be the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door and get in this type of work, it's something that I'd love to do," said CCC student Kaden Brink.

The program is shorter than a traditional associate's degree, but it provides students coming out of high school with an additional option, and an alternative to a traditional college education.