Automotive Students Cross the Finish Line
Susan Roseum, Willoughby-Eastlake Career Academy
The Willoughby-Eastlake Career Academy (formerly the Tech Center) offers several programs that prepare students for work in the automotive industry. The Automotive Services program trains students in general automotive service and repair. In recent months, they have serviced approximately 75 vehicles belonging to staff, students and customers in the community. Students have been challenged to identify the cause of the malfunction and determine the repairs necessary to get the cars back on the road. Examples of recent repairs include replacing brakes, repairing steering and suspension systems, and welding exhaust systems. The students also gain experience changing tires, completing vacuum testing, changing and repairing cooling systems, changing oil and providing car detailing. Next on their road map of learning is developing a better understanding of a vehicle’s electrical system. With new technologies in cars, this will be challenging and fascinating for the students. In March, students will attend the annual Piston Power Auto-Rama at the IX Center. A team of four senior students will compete in the RadAir Completed Car Care Vocational Technical School Challenge.
The Auto Collision program is designed to teach students the complete cycle of repairing vehicles damaged from normal wear and tear or from accidents and collisions. Some of the cars in the shop requiring repairs include a ‘72 Chevy Impala that they are hoping to enter in the Willoughby Car Show. They are also working on a ’78 Corvette. In an interesting twist, they’ve been asked to use their skills to repair and paint a wheel for the cannon at South High School. It’s fair to say that with the skills these students acquire through their training, they will be well-prepared to cross that finish line to a great career when they graduate!