Eisenhower auto students put their skills to work

Through teacher Frank Valentino, two students and a recent graduate trained in auto technology courses at Eisenhower High School landed jobs at Bell Side Seven in Homer Glen.

Seniors Carlos Monsivais and Rogelio Bello, and graduate Franco Chavez-Romero have taken their training from Eisenhower and found jobs requiring technical skill.

The work started with oil changes and other basic services and, as they’ve gained experience, the three have seen their responsibilities expand. Valentino arranged for the opportunity for them.

“Students start off in their freshman year in the Energy and Power class to understand the basics,” Valentino said. “Sophomore year covers Personal Auto Care, which involves learning about the vehicle and the responsibilities of its ownership.”

Junior year covers automotive/heavy equipment/industrial field: A focus on the basics of the industry, safety, tools and job opportunities as well as other subject areas are covered. The second half of the year studies electrical and electronic systems.

“The classes are changing from the traditional ‘tinker with cars’ mentality to a broader-based scope. The subjects taught in the automotive classes relate to many different fields and occupations, not just auto and truck repair,” Valentino said.

Job opportunities abound in the field, so much that “industry and manufacturing are crying out for people to fill the well-paying positions opened by retiring workers,” Valentino said.

Indeed, Monsivais, Bello, and Chavez-Romero can attest to this.