Sahuaro’s automotive class offers students hands-on training, providing freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors with practical skills essential for thriving in the automotive industry. Upon completion of the program, students will possess extensive knowledge and expertise, empowering them to pursue successful careers in the automotive field.
Mr. Books’ second-period automotive class is predominately self-paced, much like the program at Pima Community College. Students have the opportunity to choose from several lab options. Each lab is designed to cater to different aspects of maintenance and repair. After finishing their lab, students must record their steps and their findings, which is what gets graded.
The labs performed in class are much easier than they seem. Seniors Noah Pittenger, Caleb Leinenbach, Danny Luna, and Samuel Carter were able to explain the skills they practiced during the class period. “Basically what we’re doing is just checking the brake pads. It’s pretty simple, you literally just take off the rotor, check out the pads, measuring them. If you’re good you just put them back on, if not you put new ones in.” Other students spent their second-period checking brake fluid levels, rotating tires, and learning how to use the new machines given to the school.
This year, a record-breaking 133 Sahuaro students have obtained OSHA certification, marking a significant achievement for the school. Mr. Brooks aims to expand this success by offering students the opportunity to also obtain ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, with the program covering the costs of the test. Students in this class have the potential to acquire 10 ASC certifications, providing them with a valuable advantage in securing internships or employment opportunities after high school in 12 different fields. These certifications are credentials that show an automotive technician’s skills in vehicle mechanics and repairs. If students decide not to become ASC certified, there are still opportunities for other kinds of certifications. Every student in the second-period automotive class has at least one kind of certification.
“We’re just trying to make opportunities for kids,” Mr. Brooks shares, “get them some work experience, get them a chance to get employed and make some money. Even if it’s not in this industry, you still learn a lot of life skills that are important.”
Not only does the class allow students to enter the workforce straight out of high school, but there is also a scholarship opportunity. Every year, Jim Click or another dealership offers an automotive scholarship to one senior from the class. Mr. Brooks must decide which of his seniors meets the qualifications, and it can cause students to become competitive with each other in the best way possible. This scholarship opportunity motivates students to push themselves and work harder in class.
Mr. Brooks emphasizes the importance of girls feeling welcome to join his class. Although the class is male-dominated, he stresses that the focus is on preparing all students for life after high school, including females. He mentioned, “80% of the girls who join my class take it again the next year.”
Currently, Mr. Brooks is focused on adding new equipment to his classroom. Just before the school year started, two brand-new machines were brought in, one of which is the first of its kind in the state of Arizona. The cars that students use for their labs are donations to the school, usually from either individuals or local businesses. Because these cars are older, he has added new cars to the list of things he would like to obtain in the near future.
The automotive program at Sahuaro High School is attracting more students daily. It provides hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance and repair, offering a pathway for students to develop practical skills and pursue careers in the automotive industry.
