Is being at the top of your profession something you strive for? Jonathan Erber, a student with a never-ending approach to learning, went from struggling in school to becoming a World-Class Auto Technician.

Jonathan’s story begins when he started his own small lawn care business. He often encountered problems with his equipment and grew weary of fixing a snow blower during a snowstorm or paying someone else big bucks to fix his equipment. Jonathan attended a four-year college for two years but dropped out, feeling that his time there was unproductive. Returning to school was the last thing on his mind. He wanted to work in the mechanical field, so he applied for the City of Minneapolis Auto Mechanic Trainee Program. He was happy to be among only two candidates accepted into this 3-year training program.

Early in his trainee program, Jonathan learned that he would need additional education to learn mechanical principles for working on electric vehicles. Initially worried about a return to school, Jonathan enrolled in Saint Paul College’s Automotive Technician Program as the only school that includes specific training in electric vehicles. Jonathan’s concerns about returning to school were quickly alleviated as faculty explained that mechanic training is more hands-on than theoretical studying. He also appreciated the flexible schedule, which allowed him and his wife to care for their 8-month-old daughter. Excelling in SPC’s auto workshop, Jonathan earned seven Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technician certifications, including Master Automobile, Master Collision, Alternate Fuels, Maintenance & Light Repair, Advanced Level Specialist, Master Med/Hwy Truck, and Undercar Specialist.

According to ASE, there are approximately one million auto technicians in the US, more than 250,000 of whom hold an ASE certification, and only 2,375 have earned the title of World Class Auto Technician since its inception more than 30 years ago. After testing for the prestigious technician credential, Jonathan waited three months before receiving an important announcement: ASE has included him in the list of 2025 World Class Technicians. Jonathan was excited to receive this world-class recognition. He attributes much of his success to his hard work and the phenomenal SPC instructors who were always prepared for their classes and helped calm his nerves.

Jonathan is one of those students every instructor hopes to have in their class. He is very ambitious and never stops learning. Jonathan often challenges the instructor and other students to improve by bringing new and exciting topics to discuss into the classroom.

John Purcell

SPC Automotive Technology Instructor

Beyond his service as a world-class auto technician, Jonathan loves to run and has completed four ultramarathons (100 miles in 27 hours or less) and 27 marathons (26.2 miles). Born and raised in Nigeria by his Missionary parents, Jonathan is unsure of his plans, but they may include a return to Nigeria, a country he describes as having a significant trucking and automotive industry.