WORLDPAC - Training Institute

WTI Classes

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• VW Engine II

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Professional Background

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Jim Newkirk’s career in the automotive industry started in 1976 when he began working at an independent repair shop; his primary responsibilities were drivability diagnostics of European and Asian vehicles.

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Jim has a total of 32 years in the industry and for the past 15 years he has worked with Identifix. Jim is currently the Identifix European Team Leader/Carline Specialist with expertise in VW/Audi, Volvo, Jaguar, Rover, and Honda/Acura. Jim has also authored service articles for publications such as Auto Inc. and Motor Service Magazine

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Certification

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• ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician

• ASE L1 Advanced Diagnostic Certification

• Bosch BSC3 Automotive Diesel Injection

• Goodyear Advanced Automotive Electricity and Electronics

• Goodyear Automotive Diagnostic Specialist

• Goodyear Import Fuel Injection

• Mobile Air Conditioning Society Certification (MACS)

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Professional Accomplishments

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Jim conducts training classes and seminars on a regular basis. Some of the groups he has trained include: The North Central Tire Dealers and Suppliers Association, Automotive Technicians of Minnesota, The Northland Dynamometer Association, The Minnesota Service Station and Convenience Store Association, Under Car Specialists Inc., Amoco Certicare, The Automotive Service Association of Minnesota, The Automotive Service Association National Convention (CARS) and The Automotive Service Professionals Association of Pennsylvania and Kansas.

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Jim has appeared as a guest speaker and featured discussion panel member on a syndicated east coast automotive radio talk show and is a regular contributor to the 'Identifix Update', the Identifix technician newsletter.  In addition, Jim has also served on the Hennepin County Votech Automotive Advisory Committee and as a judge at the annual VICA Automotive Skills Olympics.

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Personal

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Jim lives in St. Louis Park, MN. He plays string bass in the bluegrass/gospel band Singleton Street and enjoys hunting, sporting clays and other outdoor activities, dabbles with home computers and tries to keep up with his 2 sons, Chris and Alex.