College Auto Body, Truck Programs Getting an Overhaul [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD - Calling it a "big deal" for Central Minnesota, officials at the St. Cloud Technical and Community College are excited to get started on renovations to their Auto Body and Medium-Heavy Truck Programs.

The school received $4 million in bonding money passed by the State Legislature this week.

Bruce Peterson is the Academic Dean for Trades and Industry.  He says the expansion has been a long time coming.

President Joyce Helens says there's a waiting list to get into the programs, almost all of their graduates get hired, and the business community wanted them to grow the program.

Peterson  says both programs will double their space at a time when they are in high demand.

Roger Bonn owns Peter's Body Shop, and is one of the business owners who hires their graduates.

The facility not only works with current students at the St. Cloud Technical and Community College, but they also offer continuing education programs for people already working in the industry.

The Technical and Community College hopes to break ground by August, and have the new space available for students by August of 2013.