09 Mar From High School Auto Class to Certified Automotive Technician: Manny’s Career in Automotive Technology
Not everyone knows exactly what they want to do after high school. Manny did not either. What he did know was that he wanted practical life skills. So he signed up for both IT and automotive classes, thinking they would simply be useful knowledge to have. What he discovered instead was a genuine interest in problem-solving and hands-on work.
While IT felt routine to him, automotive classes were different. Every vehicle brought a new challenge. Every repair required critical thinking. Manny realized he enjoyed diagnosing problems and fixing them. That spark led him to take more automotive classes and eventually enroll in community college to pursue a certificate in Automotive Technology.
At college, Manny had the advantage of a program that partnered with a local dealership. Through that connection, he was hired by Jiffy Lube, where he began gaining real-world experience. He did not just study engines in a classroom. He worked on them every day.
Manny continued his education and earned his Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. With both a degree and hands-on experience, he secured a position with a Kia dealership. At just 23 years old, he has reached a major milestone. He is now recognized and paid as a professional automotive technician.
Manny says he enjoys what he does because he gets to fix things and solve problems every single day. There is satisfaction in diagnosing an issue, making the repair, and seeing the result.
His advice for anyone considering a career in automotive technology is simple and direct. Get experience as soon as possible. Take the job opportunities that come your way, even if they are entry-level. Build your experience step by step. The skills and credibility will follow.
Manny’s story shows how starting with curiosity and practical classes in high school can turn into a respected, skilled career in the automotive trades.
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