In the automotive industry, to overhaul a vehicle means to take apart, examine, and fix it, if necessary. But at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center, the term holds a broader meaning, as it also describes a recent shift for the Auto Collision and Repair program.
New instructor Denni White initiated a change of focus from restoration to career readiness, citing a desire to produce prepared technicians as the driving force behind his theory in education.
"The biggest thing we want to do is give them career readiness and make sure they're not overwhelmed when they enter the work force," he said.
White is in his first year of teaching with the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District, following more than 20 years working in the auto and truck collision field. He said after a 15-year career with Penske Truck Leasing as head shop tech, he was ready for a change.
"My role at Penske was training new employees who came through and I really enjoyed that part," White said. "But, it was time for life to slow down a bit."
White spent a portion of the summer revamping his classroom and office, cleaning the shop and setting up new materials and equipment, which include down-flow prep stations used to remove dust and debris from the air, preventing students from breathing in harsh chemicals faced in auto repair, and an updated paint department featuring more than $22,000 in painting supplies and technology provided at the vendor's expense.
"It's the nicest mixing room I've seen, coming from the industry," White said. "A lot of the area shops aren't even on this system yet. Students here have the latest and greatest things they need to be successful."
Another addition to the Auto Collision and Repair course is implementation of I-Car curriculum, an online system offering educational training and recognition programs for the collision industry.
"When the students leave our program, they will have an actual I-Car Non-structural ProLevel 1 and Refinish Technician certification," White said. "The certifications will stay with them forever."
PBTCC Director Charles Kinsey said White replaces long-time instructor Steve Ray, who retired in May after more than two decades.
"Any time you have a change in teachers, you have a change in paths," said Kinsey, who emphasized the shift in focus is a direct result of local industry needs.
"Steve had some amazing projects he did through the years," Kinsey said. "There's no wrong way to run the program and we at the Technical Career Center try to line up our curriculum with the needs of the community, which right now is producing qualified, career-ready technicians."
Kinsey said students have been very enthusiastic and receptive to their new instructor and to the changes within the two-year technical course, which consists of juniors and seniors from Poplar Bluff and other area school districts.
White said aside from training knowledgeable techs, he emphasizes teamwork and pride during class instruction. He said he even created a Facebook page so students can share their projects with the community.
"I'm trying to teach the kids how to find answers without spending an hour beating their heads against the wall," White said. "Whether it's through asking a classmate or searching Youtube, or referring to the I-Car curriculum, I want to teach them not to be afraid to ask questions, to know how to get the project done. That's what employers are looking for."
Since school began Aug. 17, the auto-collision students have practiced taking apart and putting back together a mid-sized sedan, as well as stripped down a full size Chevy pickup truck to its bent frame. White said the students will repaint and rebuild the truck entirely on an unbent frame later this semester.
"Most new techs in the industry don't have the experience of tearing something down this far and building it back," White said. "So by using late model cars and allowing them to do this, it really gives our students a leg up."
White said he has supplied the late model vehicles so far, bringing in a few he already owns. He said by doing this, he hopes to build trust within the community.
"After they finish the truck, I'll drive it," he said. "It will, more than likely, be my everyday vehicle."
Kinsey said White has done a great job integrating himself into the program and that he is looking forward to seeing the program continue in its success.
"That's what it takes to be a teacher in a hands-on field," Kinsey said. "Building those relationships with students while still expecting high performance."
To view the Auto Collision and Repair program's Facebook page, search for PB TCC Auto Collision and Repair on facebook.com.