Seniors Josh Ira Alpas (right) and Judson Hardage (left) are gearing up for success by participating in paid internships in the automotive industry as part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Albany High.
Both Alpas and Hardage are taking Automotive III with Vincent Kemp and have enjoyed the vast array of learning experiences available in the CTE automotive pathway. Thanks to the support of Kemp and our Work-Based Learning Coordinator Lindsay Simmons, part of their educational journey involves gaining real-world experience at local businesses here in Albany.
Alpas is interning with Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) six hours per week, getting hands-on experience working alongside bus technicians. He is gaining a wealth of knowledge about the ins-and-outs of maintaining public transportation vehicles, as well as learning about how CDTA works with vendors that provide integral services to their company. After graduation, he plans to major in business, with aspirations of owning his own auto shop one day.
While Alpas' internship focuses on buses, Hardage is taking a deep dive into the mechanics of foreign-made cars at Autobahn Centre. He averages 20 hours per week working one-on-one alongside seasoned mechanics on cars from a variety of brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Land Rover, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and more!
"I can get a broader understanding of what I'm doing, while I'm doing it. I just learn better that way. It's been really good for me." Hardage stated.
At the end of the academic year, Alpas and Hardage will have the opportunity to take an exam to secure professional certification through Automotive Service Excellence.
We are proud of these Falcons for embracing work-based learning opportunities to gain valuable skills as they look towards careers in the automotive industry!