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Summer/Back to School 2024 Transportation Today Wisconsin™ | 37

Oconomowoc High School’s Autos Program is On the Move!

courses catering equipment simulator, offering students a safe yet
to varied interests, hands-on environment to gain practical experi-
from exploring ence. Students are also able to obtain a variety
automotive essen- of Snap-on and ASE certifications through the
tials as life skills classes offered, providing them a competitive
to charting a advantage as they explore job opportunities.
career path in The reintroduction of automotive studies
this industry. For at Oconomowoc High School has not only
those looking to expanded educational opportunities but also
obtain more con- opened doors to Youth Apprenticeships within
fidence on general this pathway. This opportunity continues to grow
car maintenance, as students engage with this authentic opportu-
Consumer Auto- nity to learn more in the transportation industry
motive provides and gain valuable on-the-job skills. We cur-
f o u n d a t i o n a l rently have several students participating in the
Kyla Stefan, knowledge helpful Youth Apprenticeship Program in this pathway
Coordinator of Career Programming for anyone with a vehicle. Meanwhile, Auto 1, who plan to continue working full-time with
CTE Coordinator Auto 2, and Auto 3 cater to students aspir- their employer beyond high school, continuing
Oconomowoc Area School District ing to pursue automotive careers. Moreover, to expand their skillset and knowledge within the
Oconomowoc High School is dedicated to sophomores have the opportunity to delve into industry. of transportation and practical experiences. The
equipping students for success beyond gradua- transportation career exploration via business The revival of the automotive program at success of this initiative, evident in the growing
tion, emphasizing career readiness through its visits and job shadows in both aviation and Oconomowoc High School has not only met the participation in Youth Apprenticeships and the
commitment to all five pathways. Five years automotive sectors on our schoolwide career, increasing demand for automotive education but widening scope of offerings, underscores the
ago, recognizing a critical gap, the school rein- college, and life readiness day in fall. has also surpassed expectations. Through a dedi- program’s pivotal role in shaping well-rounded,
troduced automotive courses, which gained an As our automotive program evolves, we’re cated curriculum and the guidance of instructor career-ready individuals poised for success
overwhelming response from students. With the committed to broadening horizons further. We’re eric Varrelmann, the program has empowered beyond high school.
guidance of our instructor, eric Varrelmann, we exploring avenues to facilitate students in obtain- students to explore automotive competencies
expanded facilities and crafted a robust curricu- ing their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as both a life skill and a potential career path.
lum to meet this growing demand. through courses at Waukesha County Technical With a forward-thinking approach, the school www.oasd.k12.wi.us
Presently, our program offers a spectrum of College (WCTC). Additionally, we are cur- aims to continue expanding opportunities,
rently exploring new resources such as a heavy enabling students to delve deeper into the world

• Competitive Wages

• Bright, Clean, Modern Shops
• State of the Art Equipment

• Air Conditioned Shops

• Ongoing Specialized Training
• Competitive Benefits including 401k,
Paid Vacation, Holidays, Insurance

gandrud.com

920-468-6800

Email: DLaatsch@gandrud.com