Coffeyville, KS — Coffeyville Community College (CCC) is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting and open house for its new Powersports Technology Program, scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Hatfield Building, located at 308 SE Ave, Columbus, KS 66725. CCC recently leased the facility from owner Jay Hatfield to serve as the home for this high-demand program.
Community members, industry partners, school districts, and prospective students are invited to attend and learn more about the training opportunities coming to Southeast Kansas. During the event, Powersports Technology Instructor Mike Mathes will guide guests through the shop, demonstrate available equipment, and highlight current student projects. Mathes brings strong industry experience to CCC as a recognized Harley-Davidson Technician Trainer with a background in dealership service operations and corporate training. He holds an A.A.S. in Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Service Technology from Fort Scott Community College and a B.S. in Vocational-Technical Education from Pittsburg State University. Known for his enthusiasm for “anything with a motor,” he is eager to help students enter a growing and essential field.
“We are thrilled to launch this program in Columbus,” said Kari Soper, Columbus Campus Director. “The support from our community, school districts, and industry partners has been tremendous. Mike is excited to welcome everyone into the shop and showcase the innovative training happening here. We hope to see many community members, partners, and students at the event.”
About the Powersports Technology Program
The Powersports Technology Program prepares students to service, maintain, and diagnose a wide range of vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides, and outdoor power equipment. Students gain hands-on experience in a professional-quality shop equipped with diagnostic scanners, lab scopes, digital multimeters, tire machines, tire balancers, and other industry-standard tools.
Coursework includes engine principles, precision measuring, electrical systems, frames and suspensions, service advising, engine management, fuel systems, wheels and tires, and additional technical skills. Students can earn certifications such as OSHA, EETC, Polaris Level 1 and 2, S/P2 Safety, and Snap-On DVOM.
Career opportunities include entry-level technician, parts specialist, service writer, service advisor, service manager, and pathways toward business ownership. Entry-level salaries typically range from $25,000 to $40,000, with experienced technicians averaging around $48,000 annually.
Strong Industry and School District Support
The development of this program is the result of extensive collaboration with industry leaders and regional school districts. Letters of support from organizations such as Jay Hatfield Motorsports, Cycle Connection, Bill’s Mower & More, and multiple Southeast Kansas school districts, including Columbus USD 493, Galena USD 499, and Chetopa USD 505, highlight the urgent need for skilled technicians in the region. Jay Hatfield Motorsports, which operates multiple locations across Kansas and Missouri, shared that finding qualified technicians is increasingly difficult and that they plan to give CCC graduates the highest hiring consideration. School administrators praised the program for providing relevant, high-demand training that keeps students in the region and strengthens the local workforce.
This program is available to nine regional high schools: Baxter, Chetopa, Columbus, Galena, Girard, Labette County, Oswego, Riverton, and Southeast.
Beginning in Fall 2025, the program will operate part-time in Columbus (8 a.m.–11 a.m.) and at Labette County High School in Altamont (12 p.m.–3 p.m.), offering expanded access to area high school and post-secondary students in Columbus.
About Jay Hatfield
Jay Hatfield Powersports, with locations in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, sells and services ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, and other powersports vehicles from brands such as Polaris and Kawasaki. Jay Hatfield Chevrolet in Columbus operates separately and provides sales and service for Chevrolet automobiles. The partnership between CCC and the Hatfield organization enables CCC to expand educational opportunities in Southeast Kansas by leasing the Columbus facility.
Additional Employment Opportunities Through Jay Hatfield
Students completing the Powersports Technology Program may find employment opportunities at multiple Jay Hatfield locations, including:
- Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Frontenac, 1025 N Hwy 69, Frontenac, KS 66763
- Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Joplin, 508 N Rangeline, Joplin, MO 64801
- Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Wichita, 11506 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67207
- Jay Hatfield Honda Powerhouse, 11212 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67207
- Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Ottawa, 327 W 23rd St, Ottawa, KS 66067
- Jay Hatfield Motorsports of Claremore, 2605 Warehouse Rd, Claremore, OK 74019
- Jay Hatfield Motorsports Distribution Center, 3100 S Santa Fe, Chanute, KS 66720
A Partnership Strengthening Southeast Kansas
The new Powersports Technology Program supports CCC’s mission to address regional workforce needs through modern, career-focused technical training. Leasing the Hatfield Building provides CCC with the space and infrastructure required to deliver hands-on instruction and increase access to high-demand technical programs in the Columbus region.
“This program reflects what our industry and education partners have been asking for,” Mathes said. “We are proud to offer a training pathway that leads to real jobs, real skills, and real opportunities.”
Event Details
Ribbon Cutting and Open House
Date: Wednesday, December 10
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Hatfield Building – 308 SE Ave, Columbus, KS 66725
Learn More
For details about the Powersports Technology Program or enrollment information, visit:
https://www.coffeyville.edu/columbus-technical-campus/powersports-techology
Or contact:
Rebeccah Stone – 620-252-7302 | [email protected]