Real world experience is still an option for students wishing to pursue a career in a variety of automotive-related fields. Western Wayne High School students were treated to a presentation in November from representatives with Johnson College and Five Star Equipment.
The college and company have teamed up to offer Johnson students the opportunity to take classes for their degree at Johnson along with working at Five Star in what they call Live Labs. Five Star Equipment is located in Dunmore and specializes in sales, rentals, parts, and service. The students get to work in real situations at Five Star and then discuss their experiences with their teachers at Johnson.
James Charney, an instructor at Johnson in technical transportation and heavy equipment, explained what he hopes the students gained from the presentation.
“There are many job opportunities for engineers and technicians,” Charney explained. “We have partnered with Five Star to make students aware of opportunities in continuing education. We have a focus on two year degrees and then placement in the workforce afterwards.”
Through the partnership with Five Star, Johnson students in the program can work two days a week there and are introduced to numerous repairs. Five Star service and safety training manager Tim Stevens, who has worked in the industry for 35 years, also, spoke with the students.
Charney explained how students’ work at Five Star with Stevens and other employees then translates into great material for classroom discussions.
“Students are then able to discuss scenarios they run into in the field in their classes and troubleshoot solutions for next time,” Charney explained.
Western Wayne junior Dawson Wargo enjoyed the presentation given to the auto students. “I have an interest in working with heavy equipment,” Dawson explained. “I could be interested in studying diesel mechanics at Johnson.”
Fellow Western Wayne junior Zach Kizer also enjoyed the presentation. “I am definitely interested in the possibility of getting some real experience in the field while I am in school,” he explained.
Charney hopes the information he shared with the students helps them see the different possibilities available to them.
“If you are interested in this field there are a lot of opportunities out there,” Charney told the students. “I was once in your shoes, and I decided to attend Johnson College.”
