Our program spotlight today is Automotive taught by Mr. Tom Duncan. The classes are for students in grades 11 and 12 and is held at the Twin Lakes Career and Technical Center. This program is one of many offered as part of TLHS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
The class for first year students is Principles of Auto, Brakes, Steering and Suspensions. Students are able to tear down an engine and put it back together. There are four different varieties of engines to disassemble. The students get hands-on experience using a variety of tools and procedures. They also get to see how the inside of an engine works. “They love exploring and it's a great tool to use to explain how engines operate,” said Mr. Duncan. Second year students participate in Capstone, Electrical 1, and Engine Performance 1.
During the two years of enrollment in the program, students learn the basics of all automotive repair, along with scan tool equipment, electrical systems, and preventive maintenance. The class also offers professional certifications the students can use for employment outside of school and after graduation. Certifications include ASE Certifications in Brakes, Steering, and Suspension and Micro credentialing through Lafayette Area Career.
Many Automotive students have continued their secondary automotive education at University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Ivy Tech Automotive. Other students have joined the military and are pursuing automotive repair while serving our country.
Mr. Duncan has been with the Automotive Program at Twin Lakes High School for three years. He has an Associate’s Degree and spent over 15 years in automotive repair as a business owner before teaching.
Senior Bryce Maxson is in his second year of the program. He said he enrolled in the class because he’s always had an interest in cars. “I love the hands-on experience we get in class,” he said, “We learn something new every day and it’s not by watching videos its by doing it.” Bryce also likes the perk of bringing his own vehicle to class to work on. Bryce is unsure of his plans after graduation but is interested in mechanics or something related to working on cars.
