Beno Rubin: Director of the Regional Automotive Center

On weekdays, you’ll find Rubin directing TCC’s Regional Automotive Center (RAC), the area’s comprehensive automotive training center, which prepares students for entry-level careers in the automotive field and updated training for those already working.

Rubin’s love for cars started at a young age when he worked on cars with his father. “We spent hours under the hood doing repairs,” he says.

Today, Rubin handles curriculum development and works with an advisory board comprised of industry-related personnel who help shape RAC programs according to industry needs.

“Automotive technology is my passion, and by doing this work, I feel like I am giving back to the industry that gave me my start,” Rubin says. “My focus is staying connected with industry contacts and ensuring TCC is recognized for its quality programs and graduates.”

Rubin also regularly seeks new cooperative education opportunities for students, a five credit-hour requirement of all automotive programs that often leads students to full-time employment.

After a rough start at a four-year school, Rubin got a second chance at Westchester Community College in New York where he was one of the first graduates of the college’s Toyota T-TEN program. “I wouldn’t be sitting here if not for a community college,” Rubin says. “I can relate to our students, and I understand that each one has a story to tell and goals to meet. It’s our job to ensure that they are all successful.”

The RAC opened in 2008 and has now outgrown the space. “We are busting at the seams and hoping to find new space for the rapidly expanding diesel and marine programs that have seen a significant increase in students and labor demands from industry,” Rubin says

TCC’s comprehensive automotive program also offers three specialized manufacturer programs: Mopar (Chrysler CAP), Toyota T-TEN (Toyota Technical Education Network) and Honda PACT (Professional Automotive Career Training). TCC is one of only four colleges in the nation to offer all three manufacturers’ programs.

“What makes this place work are the extremely dedicated faculty and staff,” Rubin says. “Everyone, and I mean everyone, goes above and beyond to do the job here.”

The newest addition to program offerings is collision repair that launched in fall 2013 due to industry need for skilled workers. “These classes are actually held in a collision shop and have filled so quickly that we are making plans to offer additional classes this spring,” Rubin says.

Rubin stays attune to student needs by teaching at least one class a semester, usually Introduction to Automotive Systems (AUT 101). “All of our classes are hands-on and it’s great to connect with students at this level.”

Rubin resides in Virginia Beach with his wife and two children.