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Oconomowoc High School’s Autos Program is On the Move!
courses catering equipment simulator, offering students a safe yet
to varied interests, hands-on environment to gain practical experi-
from exploring ence. Students are also able to obtain a variety
automotive essen- of Snap-on and ASE certifications through the
tials as life skills classes offered, providing them a competitive
to charting a advantage as they explore job opportunities.
career path in The reintroduction of automotive studies
this industry. For at Oconomowoc High School has not only
those looking to expanded educational opportunities but also
obtain more con- opened doors to Youth Apprenticeships within
fidence on general this pathway. This opportunity continues to grow
car maintenance, as students engage with this authentic opportu-
Consumer Auto- nity to learn more in the transportation industry
motive provides and gain valuable on-the-job skills. We cur-
f o u n d a t i o n a l rently have several students participating in the
Kyla Stefan, knowledge helpful Youth Apprenticeship Program in this pathway
Coordinator of Career Programming for anyone with a vehicle. Meanwhile, Auto 1, who plan to continue working full-time with
CTE Coordinator Auto 2, and Auto 3 cater to students aspir- their employer beyond high school, continuing
Oconomowoc Area School District ing to pursue automotive careers. Moreover, to expand their skillset and knowledge within the
Oconomowoc High School is dedicated to sophomores have the opportunity to delve into industry. of transportation and practical experiences. The
equipping students for success beyond gradua- transportation career exploration via business The revival of the automotive program at success of this initiative, evident in the growing
tion, emphasizing career readiness through its visits and job shadows in both aviation and Oconomowoc High School has not only met the participation in Youth Apprenticeships and the
commitment to all five pathways. Five years automotive sectors on our schoolwide career, increasing demand for automotive education but widening scope of offerings, underscores the
ago, recognizing a critical gap, the school rein- college, and life readiness day in fall. has also surpassed expectations. Through a dedi- program’s pivotal role in shaping well-rounded,
troduced automotive courses, which gained an As our automotive program evolves, we’re cated curriculum and the guidance of instructor career-ready individuals poised for success
overwhelming response from students. With the committed to broadening horizons further. We’re Eric Varrelmann, the program has empowered beyond high school.
guidance of our instructor, Eric Varrelmann, we exploring avenues to facilitate students in obtain- students to explore automotive competencies
expanded facilities and crafted a robust curricu- ing their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as both a life skill and a potential career path.
lum to meet this growing demand. through courses at Waukesha County Technical With a forward-thinking approach, the school www.oasd.k12.wi.us
Presently, our program offers a spectrum of College (WCTC). Additionally, we are cur- aims to continue expanding opportunities,
rently exploring new resources such as a heavy enabling students to delve deeper into the world
A CIM Major’s Life Begins Now!
work, or my career, around it. nities that really reduce the overall cost of this
I was also worried that cen- 4-year degree.
tering my college life around I’m fortunate that my mom knew of the
advanced math would mean CIM program, because not only am I enjoying
less enjoyment of my overall my college experience, but I’m surrounded by
college experience. remarkable people and amazing opportunities
Around three months while I’m still in college.
before the start of my fresh-
man year, I decided to declare
a Concrete Industry Man-
agement major. My mom
suggested CIM because I
enjoyed working with con-
crete my whole life, and the
broad curriculum, with everything from prin- managed or on which they were part of a team
ciples of engineering to business management, of professionals.
meant more of a variety in my education. I We recently visited a precast plant, and
liked the idea of “learning more about more” the company showed us some of their large
because specializing can close doors. I knew projects. It was amazing to see how you
I wanted to keep my options, and those doors can make concrete structures look so differ-
open when it came to career choice after ent from one another but still have the same
college. composition. We haven’t learned about archi-
CIM at SDSu was the right choice. I tectural concrete yet, but I am looking forward
currently have two Concrete Industry Manage- to it.
ment classes, among my other courses. Over I would recommend majoring in Con-
Contributor: Kate Connor, just the last 9 weeks, our CIM classes went crete Industry Management (CIM) to any
SDSU CIM Freshman & Farmer on five field trips, touring different plants and student considering their future college and
When contemplating a future career path, observing how different parts of the industry career options. The concrete industry sup-
like many high school students, I planned to come together to build our world. We have had ports SDSu’s CIM students by offering
major in engineering, civil engineering to be 11 guest speakers talk to us about their variety generous scholarships, and paid industry “As an SDSU CIM student, I don’t have to wait
exact. However, I realized I did not enjoy of career experiences and the projects they experiential learning and internship opportu- for graduation — I’m enjoying life now.”
high level math enough to focus my every day —Kate