Success of the Diesel Technology Program at the Barren County Area Technology Center
BARREN COUNTY, Ky.- For the past few years, the Diesel Technology Program at the Barren County Area Technology Center has grown tremendously and is ranked 16th out of 300 for the number of industry-wide regulated certifications earned nationwide.
The instructor of the program shares the driving force with the staff and students.
Shawn Gray says, “It drove a passion to evolve into the next, because a lot of these students, they just need an opportunity to see what else is out there in the world.”
Speaking with Isaac South, a sophomore at Barren County High School, we learned how creating the space for students to learn real-life work experiences can help them to navigate their career journey.
He shares, “I grew up on a farm, so I’ve kind of always been hands on, been around equipment, stuff like that. So if if you ever have any thought of going into something like this, I would really recommend the program, because it’s really been good for me and I’ve learned a lot.”
From working on the brakes and electrical wiring, all that hands-on experience gives the students the chance to see a problem and actually fix it. The principal tells us how the diesel program is preparing them for their future.
Johnathan Myatt says, “We want to make sure that once they go into the industry that they’re familiar with what they’re going to be working with, because that just gives them a leg up.”
Putting their best foot forward and gaining the knowledge now not only gets the students ahead and will be well worth it for the students. If you’re interested in supporting the program, you are strongly encouraged to reach out to Barren County schools and share your input.
