Saint Paul College recently hosted an Automotive Tech Career Fair, connecting job opportunities for more than 40 Auto Tech students with eleven local employers. The event allowed students to learn about specific jobs that match our automotive program’s skill sets. Employer partners requested a fall date to connect with students early in their college journey, enabling them to offer entry-level or part-time positions during their college years and better prepare them for more advanced roles after graduation.

All eleven employers compiled a list of opportunities and benefits, enabling students to ask specific questions about their needs. Each employer provided an overview of available full-time and part-time positions, flexible scheduling options, requirements for college and prior job experience, retention bonuses, tuition reimbursement programs, and other key details about entering the workforce and their potential benefits. An automotive industry expert visited these auto classes before the fair to help students prepare for the event. Many employers noted that students arrived well-prepared and asked insightful questions.

Three international Automotive Service Technician students found the Career Fair very helpful.

Christoph from France was a chef for 35 years before burning out during the COVID period, and he decided it was time to follow his passion for auto repairs. He enrolled at SPC since his daughter graduated from the Microbiology program five years earlier and had a great experience. Christoph finds the learning process engaging and sometimes overwhelming, with strong support from instructors. He values the extensive resources on campus, including tools (lifts, hoists, etc.), equipment, the library, and the cafeteria. He respects his teachers as highly knowledgeable and trustworthy, with over twenty years of real-world experience.

Isack, who comes from Sudan and Kenya, arrived in the US as a refugee in 2022 because his father had moved here earlier and enjoyed his new life as an American. He was inspired to pursue a career in auto tech after shockingly receiving a $2,000 bill from a mechanic for simple repairs that should have cost around $200. Because of their extensive real-world experience, Isack considers his teachers very friendly and excellent at explaining things clearly. He also values lessons on using computers to find compatible repair parts.

Ashkan from Iran moved to the US in 2022 because of Iran’s struggling economy. He quickly learned English through SPC’s EAPP English for Academic Purposes program and support from our International Student Services program. He enjoys solving puzzles and compares this interest to repairing engines, since repairs usually involve using different pieces to fix issues. Ashkan has learned much about diagnosing problems, identifying the necessary parts and tools, and fixing things hands-on.

Saint Paul College values its strong partnerships with auto industry employers and strives to expand these relationships further for future Career Fair events!