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West Bend Automotive Program Offers Unique Opportunities

to Students

“Seeing where they start from and where
they get at the end of 18 weeks is awesome,”
Christianson said. “Seeing so much growth in
this area and seeing that confidence level go up
is very fun to see.”
Since many schools in the area do not
offer a true automotive course, students may
have trouble getting their foot in the door of
the automotive industry. However, opportuni-
ties to grow in the field are far and wide for
WBHS students. Students can earn dual credit,
receive their Automotive Service Excellence
certification, and make repairs on staff vehicles
rather than demo vehicles.
“We work on staff cars because it helps
students to actually get experience working Local businesses are sponsoring this
on engine repair, transmission, electricals, and year’s Build Moto team, a group of automotive
so forth, and they get to do multiple different students who will hone their skills by working
types of repairs as they go through the class,” on a motorcycle provided by HD and compet-
Sorce said. ing with students from all over Wisconsin.
West Bend West science teacher Matthew “It’s a big thing for a lot of students, and
Wanie has had his vehicle repaired by auto- it’s not just automotive based,” Christianson
By Chloe Bauer “I have a number of former students doing motive students, including oil changes, tire said. “We pull in everything from graphic
West Bend East High School senior very well in the automotive industry, which is rotations, and battery replacements. design to accounting, but we house it in our
West Bend School District really a thing to be proud of,” Sorce said. “I think it is so great that our students have classroom because it’s very mechanical. It’s a
When it comes to learning about cars, Sorce’s teaching influenced one student to this opportunity to work on vehicles,” Wanie fantastic opportunity not only for work skills,
West Bend students are part of a well-oiled return to the program to inspire a new genera- said. “There are more cars on the road than but also for scholarships.”
machine. tion of students. Alan Christianson, an alumnus ever and they are always going to need work Build Moto is just one of the opportuni-
The West Bend East and West High of the WBHS automotive program, is now in done on them. The skills the students gain here ties offered to automotive students at the West
Schools automotive program makes unique his second year as an Auto I, Metals I, and by actually doing the work is so great.” Bend High Schools.
opportunities accessible to students with the Welding I instructor. Students are also able to work closely “The thing I enjoyed most was doing it
help of school staff, local businesses, and a “What used to be learning under someone with the community and local businesses who with my classmates and having a good time,”
team of passionate auto instructors who steer as a teacher is now working with a friend, provide vehicles and funding, get students into said Connor Redig, a current student in the
the program with both hands at all times. which makes teaching here a lot of fun,” Chris- the work force, and help the program stay on Autos III class. “What I take away from the
Gerald Sorce has instructed Autos I, II, tianson said. the cutting edge with new equipment. automotive course is how I can apply it at
and III for 11 years. After more than a decade Although he recalls many teaching high- “The outreach and support we have from home working on my own cars and saving
of teaching, Sorce takes pride in having taught lights, Christianson especially enjoys finals our community is unprecedented,” Chris- myself money.”
more than 2,000 students. He doesn’t just teach season, not because it marks the end of a tianson said. “They work hand in hand with
kids to succeed in the classroom, but also in semester, but because students are able to show students to make sure that they have some- www.west-bend.k12.wi.us
related careers. their growth. where to build a career.”

The Beloit Memorial High Powered Automotive Program

Continued from Page 21
The program has also gained statewide This year also marked a major mile- with students on a vehicle restoration project
recognition. It is one of only 12 programs in stone with the program’s move into a new intended to provide a donated car to a family
the state of Wisconsin to be certified by the on-campus facility. While the current shop in need—an experience that teaches both
National Institute for Automotive Service footprint is smaller, it allows students to technical skill and community responsibility.
Excellence. Even more impressive, it is learn and work directly on the high school In just a few short years, the Beloit
one of only five programs in Wisconsin to campus, increasing accessibility and visibil- Memorial High Powered Automotive
achieve Master ASE certification status. ity. Growth is already planned. Leaders are program has made remarkable strides.
These credentials allow students to earn exploring a 4,000-square-foot addition that Through strong leadership, industry part-
industry-recognized certifications before could house up to 9 vehicle lifts and include nerships, certification success, and a
they even graduate high school, giving them a dedicated diesel classroom space integrated commitment to real-world learning, the
a major advantage when entering the work- directly into the shop environment. program is preparing students not just to
force or continuing technical education. Beyond technical skill development, graduate—but to step directly into high-
Student achievement has followed program Olson has built a culture centered on service demand careers with confidence, skill, and
improvements. Just this fall, students earned and giving back. During the recent facility purpose.
more than 30 ASE certifications in only half a transition, the program donated a vehicle
school year—an extraordinary accomplishment lift and additional automotive equipment to
that reflects both the rigor of the program and the help launch a new automotive program in www.sdb.k12.wi.us
motivation of the students enrolled. northern Wisconsin. Olson is also working