GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Students at Grants Pass High School are gaining valuable skills through their automotive courses, providing them with a rolling head start in trades that are in high demand both in Oregon and across the country.
“Students have really gotten a taste for the hands-on type of learning, where it’s not just academic and theoretical, but you learn something in the classroom and then you put it to work out here,” said Travis Rappleyea, the automotive teacher.
For the past three years, the school’s auto shop has covered topics like brakes, engine work, steering fluid, and batteries, allowing students as early as their freshman year to engage in practical mechanical training.
“I’m liking the brakes right now because you just learn about all the different types, like the disc and drum and all the hydraulics, and it’s really fun and interesting,” said student Joshua Crawford.
A recent donation from Grants Pass Toyota and Grants Pass Automotive has expanded the program further. The school added an outdoor work area with more vehicle lifts, extra space, and heaters, enhancing the hands-on learning experience for students.
“We’re less cramped, instead of having to play rock, paper, scissors for a lift, you can just call dibs on one, and it’s a lot easier and gives us more freedom,” said Crawford.
“Students are getting more lab time, and they’re getting more quality lab time. We’re able to take on jobs that are a little bit more complex,” said Rappleyea.
The skills acquired in this program extend beyond the auto shop, benefiting students regardless of their career plans.
“For a lot of these students, maybe they’re not gonna pursue a career in automotive, but being able to leave this high school experience and join the adult world with some understanding of how a vehicle works and having some confidence in their abilities to speak that language or to do even some of their own work is a real game changer in the adult world,” said Rappleyea.
This initiative demonstrates the commitment of Grants Pass High School to equip students with practical skills that prepare them for future success.
