GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (ABC 4)- Careerline Tech Center in Ottawa County prepares students for the workforce by providing pathways to many industries, including Automotive Technology. 

In the Automotive Technology Program, students learn about steering and suspension, electrical systems, engine performance, heating/AC, braking systems, engine rebuild, and manual and automotive transmissions, but the learning doesn’t end here. 

“The class really is that transfer skill. Just taking stuff apart, putting it together, playability skills, teamwork skills. There’s so much here beyond just car repair,” said Jon Walcott, automotive technology teacher.

According to the program’s website, students utilize their skills and classroom knowledge to service customer cars brought into the auto mechanics lab.

It’s all about supplying unique opportunities for hands-on learning while inspiring students throughout the process. 

“It’s still that high school level, but something that I’ve found is as much as we are here to teach them, we’re also here to inspire them. We want to make sure we have things that grab their interest,” said Gary Prins, auto body repair teacher.  

Students who have completed the program have gone on to gain State of Michigan certifications, secure jobs at local dealerships and national companies, including Tesla, and pursue mechanical careers in the military. 

Learn more about the program in the segment featured above! 

Sponsored by Doing More. Together.