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Preparing the Next Generation of Automotive Professionals at Holmen High School

Travis Judell, Communications Specialist out the region while three school years, students have attempted
School District of Holmen still in high school. roughly 35–40 ASE tests annually, with the vast
At Holmen High School, These partnerships majority earning passing scores. This steady
the automotive education allow students to gain performance highlights the strength of the pro-
program is doing more than paid, hands-on expe- gram’s instruction, hands-on learning approach,
teaching students how vehicles rience in real shop and ongoing commitment to preparing students
work — it is building a direct environments, apply- for industry expectations and long-term success.
pathway from the classroom to high-demand ing what they learn in According to Ziegler, the impact of
careers across the regional automotive industry. the classroom while ASE certification often extends well beyond
Through a comprehensive sequence of automo- building relationships graduation.
tive courses, industry-recognized certifications, with potential future “We’ve had students tell us that when they
and strong partnerships with local businesses, employers. leave Holmen High School and apply for a job
students are gaining hands-on experience that “Our goal is to with a local business, as soon as employers hear
translates into real-world opportunity. make sure students they’re already ASE certified, it’s almost an
Holmen High School currently offers graduate with skills automatic hire — and sometimes even a raise,”
four automotive courses, designed to meet that matter,” said Ryan Ziegler said. “That’s incredibly powerful for an
students where they are and support growth Ziegler, automotive One of the most impactful components 18-year-old entering the workforce.”
from introductory skills to advanced technical instructor at Holmen High School. “The youth of the program is the opportunity for students By combining rigorous coursework,
knowledge. These courses provide instruction apprenticeship program gives our students real to earn Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) hands-on learning, youth apprenticeship oppor-
in areas such as maintenance and light repair, exposure to the industry and helps them see certifications. All students in the automotive tunities, and industry-recognized certification,
braking systems, engine performance, and what a career in automotive service actually program have the opportunity to attempt one or Holmen High School’s automotive program is
diesel engines. As students progress through looks like day to day.” more ASE certifications, including: preparing students not just for graduation, but
the program, they are not only learning techni- Holmen High School is also a partici- for meaningful careers. As workforce needs
cal skills but also developing problem-solving pant in Wisconsin’s Technical Incentive Grant • Auto Service I: Brakes or Maintenance continue to grow across the automotive indus-
abilities, professionalism, and work habits program, which supports students and school and Light Repair try, programs like Holmen’s serve as a model
expected in today’s automotive workforce. districts by recognizing the value of industry • Auto Service II: Brakes or Maintenance for how schools and local businesses can work
A cornerstone of the program is its strong certifications. District incentive grants provide and Light Repair, Engine Performance, or together to build the next generation of skilled
connection to Youth Apprenticeship oppor- up to $1,000 per recent graduate who earns an Diesel Engines technicians.
tunities. Students enrolled in the automotive approved certification. These incentives help On average, Holmen High School students
program have the chance to work directly offset testing costs and reinforce the impor- consistently demonstrate strong success on ASE www.holmen.k12.wi.us
with local automotive businesses through- tance of industry-recognized certification. entry-level certification exams. Over the past

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