Roseburg High's Auto Tech Program Sets Students on Path to Success

The Roseburg High School Automotive Technology Program has been thriving under the guidance of instructor Don Zell for the past several years. Zell's three-year program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of automotive technologies and soft skills desired by local employers, preparing them for rewarding careers in the automotive industry. The curriculum covers everything from analyzing theories and principles of the four-stroke engine to understanding the functions of agricultural equipment and diesel technology. The goal of the program is to develop local talent for automotive careers in Douglas County. Zell has been teaching at RHS for five years and is constantly working to ensure that his students have a wide array of career opportunities in the future. One of the unique aspects of the RHS Auto program is its strong partnership with top auto manufacturers. It offers students more opportunities to work with leading brands like GM, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, and Subaru than any other high school program in Oregon. In addition, it serves as an approved training and repair facility for these major companies. Students in the program can earn up to 15 college credits and have the option to participate in paid internships. They are also provided with the opportunity to achieve Entry Level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, an industry-accepted standard. Zell emphasizes the importance of real-world experience for his students, even arranging for them to perform basic auto services for RHS staff members, such as tire rotations and brake inspections. In November, he took four advanced automotive students to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where they had raised funds for their tickets through volunteering at car shows, community events, and car washes. This spring, Zell plans to take all upper-level auto students to the Roseburg Lithia dealership for a career fair and job shadowing event, further expanding their industry exposure and potential career opportunities.