Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry: High School Students Show Growing Interest in Auto Shops

In the continually evolving automotive sector, there is a noticeable rise in interest among high school students in Dane County to pursue careers within the industry. With the persistent shortage of technicians, companies are increasingly looking to high school students to fill this gap.

Sawyer Stapelmann and Payton Jones, two seniors at Mt. Horeb High School, are examples of students who have shown a strong interest in the automotive industry. They can often be found working in their school’s garage, displaying a preference for hands-on work over traditional classroom learning. Their enthusiasm comes at a crucial time, given the ongoing shortage of technicians.

According to David Rowell, the Service Manager at Kriete Truck Centers, it is essential to engage high school students early on to prepare them for the future workforce. As the automotive industry becomes more technologically advanced, there is an increased demand for workers with electrical and computer expertise. Rowell stressed the importance of stimulating interest in these specialized areas, as they have become integral to the industry.

To address the growing demand for skilled workers, organizations such as WrenchWay have established educational programs to connect companies with high school students. Tim Killinger, a Tech Ed Teacher at Mt. Horeb High School, emphasized the importance of educating students about basic car maintenance and highlighted the relevance of these skills to all drivers.

The efforts to engage high school students have already shown promising results. Paul Esse, the Parts and Service Director at Zimbrick European, disclosed that they are actively seeking to provide opportunities for high school students, from job shadowing to tuition assistance for further education. Additionally, Esse emphasized the rewarding nature of a career in the automotive industry, highlighting the value of pursuing a career as a technician.

One notable development is the increasing number of women showing interest in automotive careers, indicating equal interest from both men and women. This shift reflects the changing demographics of the industry and the growing diversity within the workforce.

As students continue to demonstrate enthusiasm for the automotive industry, the efforts of companies to engage with high schools are proving to be fruitful. By nurturing this interest early on, the industry is preparing the next generation of skilled technicians and professionals.

The growing interest among high school students signifies a positive shift in addressing the shortage of technicians, and it is evident that the efforts to engage with students are making a meaningful impact on the future of the automotive industry.