2024 graduates of the City Stadium Automotive Program: Diego Nuno Delgadillo, Eduardo Salazar Garcia Jr, Jonathon Sellers, Lucky Vang, and Lazaro Vega Castillo. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — High school graduations are happening across our area, and some students already have a head start in their desired field of work.
The Green Bay Area Public School District’s City Stadium Automotive program at Green Bay East High School celebrated five new graduates on Wednesday.
Of the five new graduates, all are already working in the field.
“I’ve always been interested in cars and as I got older I kind of tore down small engines and I built on here where I’m taking apart cars and putting them together and fixing them,” said Lucky Vang, a Preble High senior who goes to East for the program.
Through the program, each graduate earned at least 25 college credits through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
“You’re a step above everyone else,” said Diego Nuno Delgadillo, an East senior.
The program launched in 2015 with the help of companies like Bergstrom, Dorsch, Gandrud, LeMieux, NAPA, Clover, and Ford. Those companies still serve the program as advisors and tell the instructor the need is great for skilled employees.
“They’re just trying to get access to these kids earlier and earlier,” said Ben Hendricks, instructor for City Stadium Automotive. “All the shops around the Green Bay area, they’re always looking for new employees.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings are projected to grow at an average pace through 2032 compared to other occupations. The median annual pay is almost $47,700.
Hendricks says the sponsors behind City Stadium Automotive often pay for program graduates to continue toward their two-year diploma.
“This is my sixth year teaching this program,” said Hendricks. “I have lots of students out in industry that haven’t had to pay a dime for their education or their tools.”
Two of the five graduates plan to continue on that path. For the others, the program helped them learn what else they’d like to do.
“Being an auto technician ad working on vehicles, you do see how things are made,” said Vang, who plans to pursue a degree in automotive engineering. “To be the person that makes the vehicles is quite a changing and amazing thing to experience.”
The program is two years at East with students applying for potential acceptance during their sophomore year.
Comments