South Seattle Community College dedicated a newly expanded and improved Automotive Collision Repair training facility on December 11.

The $1.7 million in improvements include the following:

* New state-of-the-art automotive painting and paint prep equipment

* Enlarged classroom space

* Locker and restroom facilities now provided for men and women

* Reception/work area that supports learning related to customer service

"At South our College Mission promises that our workforce training programs will be responsive to the needs of area industry," said Dr. Jill Wakefield, college president. "It also promises that our students will be prepared to succeed in their careers. To meet these goals we must make sure that our training facilities mirror those found in the real world. I this believe this newly refurbished facility ensures that we are meeting these promises," she said.