My City May 2023

MYCOMMUNITY

DRIVING FUTURE SUCCESS

BY PETER HINTERMAN

I n February of this year, the Davison Auto Tech program was named one of the Top 4 in the nation as a finalist in the O’Reilly Auto Parts “Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year” compe tition earning the program a $500 dollar gift card. “Our program went up against colleges, vocational schools and other high school programs across the coun try,” said Davison Auto Tech Teacher Andrew Michalik. “It’s a big honor and we are very proud of our program and our students.” Davison Auto Tech is a two-year program open to Davison High School juniors and seniors with an interest in automotive technology. The program is so popular with students, however, that Michalik is pushing to open it up to sophomores. “We have a long waiting list,” he says. “I can’t get every kid in here who is interested. We might have

to hire a part-time teacher!” he laughs. The program’s popularity is easy to understand, considering that Davison Auto Tech is often a direct line to future employment. Students are encouraged to partake in Davison’s co-op program to gain valuable on-the-job experience at local dealerships and auto shops, and top students in the program are eligible for scholarships to one of the many part nership schools such as Ohio Technical College, University of Northwestern Ohio, Universal Technical Institute, Ferris State and others. Ryan, a Davison High Senior in year two of the program, will take advantage of the opportunity and attend Ohio Technical College for Electrical work next fall. “Before Davison Auto Tech, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future,” he says. “During my first year in the program, I realized that this was something I loved

to do. I decided to study electrical work more in-depth for a career.” Michalik is constantly fielding calls from local dealerships inquiring about whether or not he has any students looking for work. Recently, he was contacted by a company looking for students interested in working on diesel pumps – two second-year stu dents have expressed interest.

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