Shaping the Future of Automotive Craftsmanship at ModaMiami
One of the most rewarding aspects of ModaMiami is the chance to collaborate with organizations that share our deep respect for automotive history and innovation. Among our most meaningful partnerships is with Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College), a school whose students bring skill, professionalism, and passion to every corner of our event.
Each year, ModaMiami is proud to welcome a team of volunteers from Penn College’s renowned Automotive Restoration certificate program. These students don’t just assist behind the scenes—they help bring the entire show to life. We sat down with instructor Roy Klinger, developer of Penn College’s automotive restoration certificate, to learn more about the program, the students’ experience at ModaMiami, and how this partnership helps shape the future of the collector car world.
Q: Tell us about the Automotive Restoration certificate program at Penn College. What sets it apart?
A: Our program is one of only a handful in the country specializing in automotive restoration. What makes it special is the depth and breadth of the training: students work hands-on with vintage and classic vehicles, learning everything from metal shaping and paintwork to upholstery, machining, and concours-level detailing.
We emphasize not just technical excellence, but also historical accuracy and an appreciation for craftsmanship. Many of the cars we work on are museum-worthy pieces, and our students are taught to treat them as such.
The first time we brought students to ModaMiami, it was a revelation, for them and for us. The environment, the vehicles, the level of detail, it’s a showcase unlike anything else, and the students were immediately inspired.
Q: What do Penn College students do during ModaMiami?
A: They’re involved in just about everything. Our students assist with vehicle staging, load-in and load-out, and even preservation-sensitive detailing and display setup. Because they understand the value and fragility of rare vehicles, they’re trusted to handle them with care and precision.
>What makes the experience unique is that they’re not just shadowing, they’re participating. They’re on the ground, working alongside seasoned professionals, collectors, event producers, and brand partners. It’s real-world experience at the highest level.
Q: What do students take away from the experience?
A: It’s honestly transformative. ModaMiami exposes them to a side of the industry they don’t always get to see: the curatorial mindset, the culture around collecting, and the intersection of design, history, and storytelling. They leave with a broader perspective, not just on restoration as a skill, but on the industry as a whole.
For many, it affirms their decision to pursue this path. Some make invaluable industry connections. Others discover interests in areas like event production or preservation consulting.
Q: Why is it important for shows like ModaMiami to involve young professionals?
The future of the collector car world depends on it. These students are the next stewards of automotive history. By giving them a seat at the table, by inviting them into spaces like ModaMiami, we’re not just teaching them; we’re investing in the longevity of the culture.
ModaMiami is helping create a bridge between the generations, one where knowledge is passed down and new perspectives are welcomed. That’s vital. It’s how we ensure that these vehicles, and the stories they tell, continue to inspire for decades to come.
Q: Final thoughts on the partnership?
A: We couldn’t ask for a better stage for our students. ModaMiami is more than an event, it’s a celebration of everything we teach: craftsmanship, heritage, beauty, and the pursuit of excellence. We’re incredibly proud to be a part of it, and even more proud to see our students rise to the occasion.
ModaMiami is grateful to Penn College for their continued partnership and dedication to preserving automotive heritage. Their students are more than volunteers, they are the next chapter in the story of car culture.
