APPOMATTOX, Va. – Appomattox High School students are getting ready for the automotive industry. Thanks to a $15,000 grant, students have the opportunity to work with one of the best machines used in the auto world. Automotive teachers say students were previously working with an old machine that could only work with cars up to 2007. They say the equipment became obsolete and they couldn't update the software anymore.
With their new wheel-alignment machine, students can perform on models up to 2017. Students can also work on vehicles belonging to other students, as well as staff and school vehicles. Some students say the class has helped them develop a passion to work in the industry full-time.
“After college, I want to do auto mechanics for a few years and then after that have my own shop, run that, as long as I can really and pass it down,” said senior Antoine Cashwell.
“A lot of dealers have it and use it. It just gives them that basic knowledge that they need to know so that when they get a job in the workforce they will use the same type of equipment,” Jonathan Garett, automotive technology instructor at Appomattox High School.
Teachers say students can earn a state certification once they pass the state inspection test.