TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) – Temple High School’s automotive programs are giving students more than just classroom instruction. They’re providing real-world experience that bridges the gap between education and career readiness.
As part of Career and Technology Education Month in February, the school’s Automotive Technology and Automotive Paint and Body programs showcase how hands-on training is transforming students’ futures in the automotive industry.
From Classroom to Competition
Chester Williams, a senior pursuing automotive technology, said his passion for the field sets this experience apart from traditional classes.
“The difference is my passion for it,” Williams said. “I’m not really passionate about English, but this, I’m passionate about. Everything about it is I love it.”
Currently, Williams and his classmates are rebuilding an axle for a Ford F-250 as part of their class projects. The project, which they’ll take to competition this week, teaches students the fundamentals while opening doors to scholarships and job opportunities.
“It’s so people outside of your school can hear your voice, can see what you do,” Williams explained. “You’ll get that real world experience. You’ll get those scholarships to help you after school. You’ll get to meet business professionals.”
Williams has earned 15 industry certifications, including HVAC, electrical, brakes, steering and suspension, and transmission specializations. Despite his achievements, he remains focused on continuous improvement.
“I’m thankful for where I’m at and I’m definitely doing good, but we still have a lot to go because those are only entry level certifications,” Williams said.
After graduation, Williams plans to pursue work on generators and power generation systems, potentially even ship engines — a path that grew from his love of hands-on problem-solving.
Learning Beyond the Textbook
Brian Padilla, also a senior, is focused on automotive paint and body work. He appreciates the practical approach to learning his chosen field.
“It’s really nice being able to learn something like this that you could do outside in the real world and get some experience out of it,” Padilla said.
The students work in a professional-grade paint booth equipped with multiple lights and filtering systems, creating an environment that mirrors real automotive shops. They also gain internship experience at local businesses including a Chevy dealership, SWG in Troy, and Epperson’s Paint and Body in Temple.
Padilla envisions starting a side business painting vehicles before eventually opening his own shop.
“I want to first start off like a side, like on my own apart,” he said. “I can start off by painting my own truck, my friends, and get my name out there. Get a reputation. Hopefully open one day a shop.”
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Jennifer Juarez Partida, a senior in the Automotive Painter Refinishing program, is one of few female students in the program — and she embraces the challenge.
“It’s very much a lot of me having to prove myself,” Partida said. “I like having to constantly prove myself and constantly having to show people that I can do this kind of work.”
Partida has invested significant time in a restoration project: a 1955 Chevy that has required extensive metal work and body restoration after arriving in severely rusted condition.
“There are many hours put into this. A lot of different students have been put in it,” Partida said of the project, which involves cutting and replacing metal panels, body work, sanding, solvent cleaning, and painting.
For Partida, the hands-on experience is invaluable compared to traditional classroom learning.
“I’d rather be out here and physically learning something than being inside of a classroom and learning through books and videos,” she said. “This is something that you can take with you. I think I would use this my whole life, probably.”
Her focus after graduation is on custom automotive work — a specialty that combines technical skill with creativity.
Real Cars, Real Impact
What sets Temple High School’s programs apart is that students don’t just work on practice vehicles. They service real cars belonging to teachers and community members.
“We get to work on teacher cars. We get to work on people in the city’s vehicles. Any vehicle that needs to be worked on, we’re able to work on as long as we have the time,” Williams said.
This real-world application provides immediate feedback and genuine purpose to their work.
“When people come in here stressed because their cars don’t work, and we get their vehicle running, that just makes my day,” Williams added.
A Path Forward
Temple High School’s Career and Technology Education programs demonstrate how vocational training can prepare students for immediate employment while building professional connections and industry certifications. For students like Williams, Padilla, and Partida, the programs offer more than just a class — they offer a career foundation and a pathway to success in the automotive industry.
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