Gilbert High auto tech students gear up for future

The automotive industry is constantly shifting gears, demanding a skilled workforce to keep pace.

Gilbert Public Schools' automotive technologies career and technical education, or Auto Tech CTE, program is preparing students with a 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 Gilbert High School’s Auto Tech CTE program are equipped to seamlessly integrate into the workforce, meeting the demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry.

The automotive technologies program at Gilbert High 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, or 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," said Brian Gay, the Auto Tech CTE teacher at Gilbert High. "The biggest skills my students take with them is working with their hands and the ability to learn something they haven’t seen before.

“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.”

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,” a Gilbert Auto Tech student said. “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 Gilbert Public Schools aim to equip students with the skills and experience they need to make informed decisions about their future.

Those interested can learn more about CTE programs, including which schools offer an automotive technologies program, by visiting GilbertSchools.net/CTE .