Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, Ecorse Public Schools introduced a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) programto its offerings which already include Radio and TV Broadcasting Technology, Cosmetology, and Certified Nursing. A Certified Automotive Technology Program has been added at Ecorse High School to give interested students an opportunity to gain certification and find employment in the steadily growing automotive mechanic industry. The two-year program began with 20 students last school year and retained seven interested students to complete their second year of the program. Carlyce Johnson, CTE Director says, "Those seven students, we're training them now to be eligible for the state exam and the ASE exam." ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is the national certification required to be an auto mechanic and requires students to log in 580 training hours. The State of Michigan has its own certification process that students must pass as well.

Automotive Technology students are gaining knowledge of automatic transmissions, brake systems, engine repair, and exhaust systems, to name a few. There are 58 ASE certification tests in all, covering every imaginable aspect of the automotive repair and service industry. Students gain certification in basic automobile and light truck certification only, or can add additional knowledge in areas that may include collision repair and electronic diesel engine specialist. Tests are reputed to be rigorous and each test can take up to 90 minutes. "One thing I would love for our students to do is to really take this seriously while it's free, and I see that a lot of students don't realize the opportunity that they have here, because they would pay for this at a community college," says Johnson. "That's why Dr. Talison started so many Career Tech Educational programs here because he wanted our students to know that there are opportunities for them in the trades, everybody's not going to go to college."

Automotive Technology Instructor Al Montie agrees. "If this program works out like we hope it will, they can leave here when they have a diploma and they can step into the job market starting at $60,000 to $80,000 a year," he adds. Montie, who has more than 50 years' experience in the auto mechanic industry, recently closed his auto service shop in Allen Park and wanted to share his knowledge ,. He is one of two instructors for this program. "I see the need for it and I felt after I closed my shop that I had something to give. I really would like to convey to them what it takes and what the rewards are going to be. It's a rewarding business and a lot of kids just aren't set for the college degree stuff that's out there," he says.

Automotive Tech student Jibrel "JJ" Joseph says he was urged by his father to take the course to learn a basic life skill. "If our car ever breaks down, we need to know how to do this. I like working with my hands and I wanted to learn this," he says.

Student Antwon Hughes also enjoys working with his hands. "My dad, he works on cars and I thought it would be fun to help him out sometimes," he says. "I've learned a lot, the teacher helps us with a lot of things, fixing cars is a lot of fun actually." Both students agree that having this knowledge will save them money in the future as there will be no need to hire a mechanic to assess a vehicle repair.

The district formed a partnership with LaFontaine Automotive Group, which provided training materials, tools, and mentorship to the school's Certified Automotive Tech Program. "We are honored for the opportunity to be the exclusive dealer partner to Ecorse High School and provide our fixed operations expertise and mentorship to these passionate students looking to enter the automotive field," said Kelley LaFontaine, Vice President, LaFontaine Automotive Group. "This partnership will not only enrich the lives of the students participating in the program but will better the entire Ecorse community."

In addition, General Motors awarded two vehicles, tools and components through its corporate donations program that assists institutions within the GM Training Network, to Ecorse High School. Since 1978, General Motors has continued its commitment to identify and support educational programs that have produced more than 18,000 auto service technicians. The donation gives automotive tech students more opportunity for hands-on instruction.

Upon graduation of the program and having attained certifications, students will have the skills to enter the workforce and opportunities will likely be available with LaFontaine Automotive. Johnson adds, "We've been really fortunate to have a lot of industry response and industry support helping us."

Ecorse High School's Auto Tech Program is a partnership with LaFontaine Automotive Group and General Motors.

For more information call 313-294-4750