News and Information

We offer brakes, tires, suspension, oil changes, tune ups, and basic maintenance at the high school for the community.   Nine Mile Rd. near Greater Mack.  Just call 586-435-1432 and set up an appointment.

Lancer Article by Katie Bimberg '10

Due to the Auto Shop's continued renewal of state and national certification, its students are able to use their experience in the class to become certified mechanics.

Typically, the two years that a student spends in the consortium Auto Shop class count as one year of work experience. Two years of work experience are required for a student to become Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. In addition, the student must pass a written test to become nationally certified.

"The students really benefit the most because they don't have to take introductory courses in college," auto teacher Nate Barton said. "It saves them money and time because they don't have to work for two years. They only have to work for one. Then they're allowed to get their certifications."

The Auto Shop is also eligible to receive more donations from local colleges and businesses with the certification status.

Students who go through the Auto Shop program have the opportunity to become certified through the State of Michigan, which allows them to work anywhere in the state.

Because certified students will not have to take introductory automotive classes in college, those who complete the Auto Shop program benefit from their high school work.

"I plan to go into an automotive career," Harper Woods senior Brian Gallahar said, explaining why he takes classes here. "The one year of experience will give me a jump start, so I have to take less time in college to do all of that. This class also counts for college credit."

The certification not only allows students to receive work experience, but it also prepares students for the jobs they will hold in the future.

"The class teaches you everything you need to know to get the certification," senior Eric Rice said. "Employers will look at that. They will pick you over someone who doesn't have any experience or certification."

Barton and Gallahar agree that the Auto Shop program benefits the community, providing them with reliable technicians.

"The community has certified technicians that way," Barton said, "not just somebody that says he knows what he's doing, but somebody who has demonstrated that he has a lot of automotive knowledge and has passed a [rigorous] test."

Gallahar said that the St. Clair Shores area will gain from having more qualified technicians and improves his chances of finding a job.

"It can benefit the entire community because auto jobs are pretty much the only thing that's hiring right now," he said. "It's giving a lot of people opportunities to get farther in life."

LANCER - APRIL/MAY 2009