Dekaney High School senior Ivan Caldera, from left, and his teacher, Jaime Trevino go over the procedure to disassemble an engine in Dekaney’s new automotive career pathway program.
Photo album: Dekaney High School Builds a New Automotive Program with Universal Technology Institute
HOUSTON – Feb. 14, 2018 – Dekaney High School senior Ivan Caldera and his classmates huddle over an engine block as they work together to remove its pistons. Their teacher watches closely and offers guidance as they move through the puzzle-like process.
“I like putting things back together, and I really love cars, so it’s a really good mix,” said Caldera.
The hands-on experience is a major component of this new automotive technology program at Dekaney, which has been working with Universal Technology Institute nearby to offer the program to the students. The partnership was approved last fall by the Spring ISD Board of Trustees and marks one of the newest career pathways offered by the district.
Universal Technical Institute is a leading provider of post-secondary education for automotive, diesel, collision-repair, motorcycle and marine mechanics for the transportation industry.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to work directly with Spring ISD, we are happy to do so,” said UTI campus president Darrin Brust. “Hopefully we are building an interest in those students to possibly enter this field as a career.”
On a typical day, Dekaney students board a bus for the short trip to UTI, where they quickly begin working with various automotive systems, including electronics and air conditioning. They are also learning about computer technology, teamwork and interacting in a workspace. Teacher Jaime Trevino says the goal is to give them the confidence to move forward into whatever career path they wish to pursue.
Caldera, a senior at Dekaney, said that he is thankful that his school and UTI partnered to make the program’s hands-on experience possible.
“I’m really excited, it’s good. I’m really sad because this year is almost ending, and I don’t want it to end,” said Caldera.
Watch a video of Dekaney High School’s New Automotive Career Pathway.