Student Stories
Aileen Yvonne Herbert
Aileen Yvonne Herbert’s journey in the automotive field began when her check engine light illuminated in her 1998 Toyota Avalon. "I went to the parts store to have the code pulled...and left with six $5 spark plugs...and was hooked by the smell of the grease and the feeling of having just fixed my car," she says.
Throughout her time in the program, Herbert had two impactful experiences that she believes shaped her skills and determination. The first was a challenging project she undertook with her father, replacing the rear wheel bearings on their Honda Element. Recalling the endeavor, she says, "When it was done, we drove that vehicle for another 1,000-plus miles, and from then on I knew I could get through any automotive job I set my mind to."
The second experience was working alongside her best friend in an engines course, where they overhauled a long-dormant 1994 Toyota T100 pickup truck. "The fact that we got to hear it run so beautifully for its first time in that long was a special moment in our friendship that I will never forget."
Regarding the program, Aileen expressed appreciation for the instructors’ patience and guidance, saying, "The instructors definitely have had a lot of patience with me. They’re all so knowledgeable in this trade, anyone entering this program is very lucky." She also emphasized the value of hands-on experience and reference materials, stating, "The hands-on experience has also been huge, and I will be keeping my binders as reference material forever."
"The instructors definitely have had a lot of patience with me. They’re all so knowledgeable in this trade, anyone entering this program is very lucky."
She firmly believes the program has prepared her for a successful career, particularly in terms of learning how to locate and read technical service information. "COCC’s program taught me how to ask the right questions and think like a technician. As long as I get to the root cause and a vehicle leaves in better condition than when it came in, I know I did my job. And COCC's program equipped me to do just that."
Gordon Scott
Gordon Scott’s passion for automotive technology began on his Warm Springs ranch. Initially driven by the need to repair and maintain his equipment, Scott enrolled in COCC’s program. Reflecting on his choice, he states, "I have a small cattle ranch with many vehicles and equipment. Learning how to repair and maintain my equipment was my initial reason for enrolling in COCC's automotive program."
Throughout his time in the Automotive program, Scott experienced a transformative learning journey that significantly influenced his education and career goals. One impactful lesson he learned was the power of collaboration and helping his fellow classmates. "As a new learner of automotive theory, retention for me was a struggle. After some time, I learned how helping my fellow classmates ultimately helped me better understand and retain what I was learning." This valuable insight not only aided his own understanding but also prepared him to teach and mentor others.
Scott commends the teachers at COCC for fostering a unique and diverse learning environment. Some instructors took a strong leadership role, offering one-on-one assistance, he says, while others encouraged students to become skilled "answer-finders." This supportive environment provided him with the confidence to work in various automotive settings and even contemplate starting his own business.
"The Automotive Tech faculty have always been my favorite. They are heavily invested in their students’ learning and they do this in an energetic and meaningful way that creates employable people."
He expresses his gratitude for COCC's emphasis on staying up-to-date with current automotive technologies. He took a specialized class to sharpen his skills in electric/hybrid vehicles, recognizing their growing prominence. "Being educated on current technologies in automotive is very important, and COCC has always been strong at this," he says. Scott is now a part-time instructor in the Automotive Technology Program, imparting his knowledge in a small engines class.
Michael Welch
Michael Welch is a testament to the transformative power of education and the pursuit of one’s true calling. Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Welch pursued a career in loss prevention at Macy’s for 11 years before deciding to reinvent himself following several rounds of layoffs in the retail industry. At the age of 38, he enrolled in COCC's Automotive Program, seeking a hands-on career with a solid future.
Throughout his time in the program, his most rewarding experiences came from the three transmission classes. "To disassemble and reassemble such a complex component over and over again really gave me a lot of confidence," he shares, saying that he aspires to specialize in transmission work due to its rarity in the industry.
COCC’s instructors created a caring and supportive learning environment that equipped Welch for success. "Each instructor really takes the time to listen to you and gives you the tools to succeed," he emphasizes. Through his cooperative work experience at Lithia Chevy, Welch gained exposure to the fast-paced demands of the industry.
"There is a clear roadmap to a rewarding future"
With 11 classes left to complete, he feels well-prepared for a career in the automotive field. "There is a clear roadmap to a rewarding future," he says with confidence.