EPHS Career & Technical Center Offers Much

East Providence High School students who aren’t inclined to pursue a “white color job,” have an alternative option which will rival traditional careers. Some of today’s workforce, may not provide a guaranteed solid income and future as they once did. While these professions may still be rewarding to many, others can find steady work in the trades. People often comment that those making any serious money these days are plumbers, carpenters, auto mechanics, electricians, etc. “There aren’t too many struggling tradespersons. Especially if they want to work,” is the advice of many economists. Earnings vary by trade, experience level, and location. Many entry-level technicians earn a competitive starting wage, with additional opportunities for advancement through certifications or experience.

Programs of skill training offered in the EPCTC are in Automotive Technology, Computer Science, Construction, Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Electrical Technology, Forensics, Fashion Design, Graphic Communications, Health Occupations, Junior Army ROTC and Pre Engineering. This month we profile the Auto Technology program. The Reporter will highlight other areas of CTC training in subsequent issues.

Auto Technology instructors Joseph Barroso and David Mello provide Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified education. This award-winning program prepares students to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern automobiles and light trucks. Systems covered include, but are not limited to brakes, steering, suspension and alignment, electrical, engine repair, complete tire service, engine performance, air conditioning, and heating and drivetrain. Tool safety, shop procedures including writing estimates and parts requisition and regular maintenance items such as oil changes, belts and hoses, tire replacement, and transmission service are equally stressed as well.

“Our students are prepared for post-secondary school, entry-level position in the automotive field, and/or the ASE service technician test after meeting work experience requirements. Young people seeking a career in this field should be mechanically inclined, have good reading comprehension, basic math skills, and computer skills, and enjoy working on cars and trucks. The Automotive Technology program supports student participation in the SkillsUSA competition, Ocean State Dealers Association competition as well as community service through various charity projects."

“Many curriculum guides are built for college-bound students. Our (Auto Tech) program isn’t necessarily geared towards just college,” said instructor Joseph Barroso. “Some students may go to college, but many can go right into the automotive working world. Depending on further tech education, etc., these kids will be well prepared for a rewarding career,” added Borroso. Students must wear protective clothing and gear while in the expansive auto shop.

Borroso is a skilled automotive technician with years of experience in both the private and public sectors. His classes include and understanding of electricity and other genres that combine to make a vehicle work. His instruction includes computer diagnosis training, engine check light troubleshooting and just about anything from headlights to tire repair including sophisticated wheel balancing and alignment. The instructor has a keen way of imparting his knowledge to students and students relate well to him. He often sites anecdotes he has picked up on being an auto technician for several decades. "Everything we do in class is geared toward how they (students) should treat customers," Borroso explains. "If my students go into the field full time someday, they must be able to deal with customers and employers as well as knowing the trade."

Borroso's program will accept community requests to work on cars and small trucks, only charging "customers" for parts. "We're limited to class time and we can't always get to all requests, but we are pleased to help out the community," he said.

The Career Center also has cars for students to practice on over and over again that are donations. "Practice mays perfection," Borroso instills in his students, which by the way, also includes some girls. For example, Tasca Ford has donated several vehicles for class instruction.

If East Providence students want a career that pays well, offers real job security, and doesn’t require four years of debt, skilled trades can be a great option. Electricians, welders, HVAC technicians, and dozens of other tradespeople are earning $60,000 to $100,000+ annually, often after just one to two years of training. There has never been a better time to consider a skilled trades career. What is a skilled trade? A skilled trade is any career that requires specific technical training, hands-on skill, or a formal apprenticeship to enter, but does not require a four-year college degree. Also electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians, and carpenters are among the most well-known examples. Most skilled trades are learned through a combination of vocational school, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job experience. The result is a career built on real, transferable skills rather than academic credentials.

Graduating students may need advanced training for the higher skilled jobs but many can qualify for entry-level positions in area shops and dealerships. EPCTC grads will be able to receive post-secondary credits to:

New England Institute of Technology
Universal Technical Institute
University of Northwestern Ohio
Mass Bay Community College
Maine Community College
Motoring Technical Training Institute

Some Auto Tech career opportunities include Automotive Service Technician, Repair Estimator, Service Consultant, Parts Consultant, Automotive Insurance Adjuster, Parts Manager, Service Manager and more.

“The auto industry is always changing, and we follow the latest ASE standards for auto repair training. We certify career-ready students, accredit schools to meet industry demands, and connect education with real-world transportation careers,” said Barroso. “Students must still do well in all aspects of high school. Our students must maintain satisfactory attendance, safe conduct, and passing grades to remain enrolled in this program.”

According to national ASE foundation statistics, the following salaries are possible for fairly entry level techs. Some jobs will require more training but CTC’s can provide a great foundation for more advanced jobs:

Auto Body Repair Technician $55,000
Auto Mechanic $51,000
Automotive Technician $51,000
Diesel Technician $61,770
Heavy Equipment Operator $59,850
Maintenance Technician $49,590
Robotics Technician $73,900
Truck Driver (CDL) $59,000
Motorcycle Mechanic$49,000
Marine Technician $58,000
Carpenter $60,000

The EPCTC auto technology has the best state-of-the-art equipment and tools exclaimed ASC certified instructor Barroso. “Our equipment is as good as any professional shop and our students learn on the same equipment that area dealerships and businesses have. Many of the senior students have part-time jobs after school and many of these jobs will evolve into full time employment after graduation.”

CTC Director Robert Hanlon and EPHS Principal Bill Black tout the advantage to having the CTC within the regular high school campus. “We are one school with a philosophy to meet the needs of all students under one roof. Skills training, advanced placement courses, extracurricular activities, all work together to keep Townies learning at the highest level possible,” said Principal Black. Students can begin to explore skills training programs with field trip visits from Martin & Riverside middle schools.

Of note is the fact that instructor Borroso is a graduate of East Providence High School and the CTC which was held in the "old building."