The automotive industry is constantly shifting gears, demanding a skilled workforce to keep pace. The Automotive Technologies Career and Technical Education (AutoTech CTE) program is preparing students with a unique hands-on education that develops the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the automotive sector. Fully immersing students with a real-world learning environment that cultivates technical expertise and a commitment to serving the community, graduates of 91茄子 High’s AutoTech CTE program are equipped to seamlessly integrate into the workforce, meeting the ever-present demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry.
The Automotive Technologies program at 91茄子 High School goes beyond a traditional high school auto shop experience. The program’s shop is designed to function as a professional auto shop where students gain valuable hands-on experience working on operational vehicles used everyday by members of the community. In addition to performing real world jobs, students have to opportunity to earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications - industry-recognized credentials valued up to $1,200 each but come to students at no cost. During the 2022-2023 school year, students in the program completed 52 ASE certifications.
“In this program students don’t just work on cars, they work on themselves. The biggest skills my students take with them is working with their hands and the ability to learn something they haven’t seen before,” said Brian Gray, the AutoTech CTE teacher at 91茄子 High. “In life, they will be faced with challenges they’ve never seen. After completing this program, students can better work through those obstacles because they know they can work with their hands and solve unfamiliar problems.”
Brian Gray utilizes his extensive industry experience and connections to offer diverse career opportunities within the automotive field. Graduates are prepared for a variety of exciting roles - not just mechanics, but also opportunities in service writing, parts management, and lot attending. The program's hands-on approach also fosters essential teamwork skills where students collaborate to diagnose and repair complex issues - developing communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of accomplishment. This collaborative environment prepares students to seamlessly integrate into a professional automotive workplace. As a result, around 40-50 students find employment in the automotive industry each year.
“Automotive work is important because everyone eventually runs into car trouble,” said an AutoTech student at 91茄子 High. “These are skills that can help me in the real world and I’ve learned a lot. After taking this class, I’d definitely consider a career in the automotive industry.”
Career and Technical Education programs across 91茄子 Public Schools aim to equip students with the skills and experience they need to make informed decisions about their future. To learn more about CTE programs, including which schools offer an Automotive Technologies program, visit 91茄子Schools.net/CTE.