AUGUSTA — Capital Area Technical Center recently announced its December professionals of the month.

Derek Harding of Augusta is a senior at Cony High School enrolled in the Automotive Technology program for the second year.

He has enjoyed the hands on shop work. He feels he has learned how the systems in cars work, which has taught him that auto repair is more than just changing out parts. It is important to learn the mechanics so a proper diagnosis can be made to fix any problem, according to a news release from the center.

As a second year student, Harding participates in an extended learning opportunity (ELO) through the Jobs for Maine Graduates program at O’Connor Auto Park. He participates in on the job training at O’Connors and has had the chance to work on a variety of vehicles, from sports cars to buses to a lot of GM models.

His instructor, Keith Hart, said, “Derek goes out of his way to better himself. He is very motivated to learn and picks up mechanical information quickly.” He finds O’Connor Auto Park a great place to be and hopes to have full-time employment with them following graduation.

Alivia Gower of Windsor is a senior at Erskine Academy enrolled in the Machine Tool Technology program for the second year.

She has enjoyed the program being run as a workplace. She has liked learning from her instructor who has many years of real world experience in different machine shops in the area.

Gower has been working at her father’s construction business since the time she qualified for a work permit. She does everything from shoveling to running a loader, so has a wide array of skills.

According to her instructor, Darryl Nadeau, “I wish all my students were like Alivia. She is professional, smart and has developed a lot of machining skills.”

She found being a female and working with mostly males challenging at first, according to the release. But once classmates and co-workers see she can follow along and keep up, her gender hasn’t been an issue.

Gower is undecided what her next steps will be after graduation.

 

Check out other upcoming area events!

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.