ADRIAN — Five students in the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) Technology Center's Automotive Service Technology (AST) program recently received Gary Bettis Tool Box grants presented by the Lenawee County Educational Foundation (LCEF).
Shane Castel of Blissfield, Bennett Francis of Tecumseh, Raymond Stickler of Madison, and Andrew Birkin and John Schloss of Onsted each received a $1,000 grant to purchase an automotive toolbox and basic toolkit. I received the money.
According to a LISD news release, it is standard practice for automotive service technicians to have their own tools on the job, including hand tools and specialized power tools. Tools are purchased through his partnership with Blisfield Parts, Inc. (his NAPA auto parts store with a branch in Adrian), and students also receive discounts on tools purchased there.
The AST program prepares students for careers in automotive service as technicians, mechanics, engineers, parts specialists, and more.
“The ever-increasing sophistication of automotive technology and the extended lifespan of vehicles are increasing the need for automotive professionals nationwide,” LISD said. “Students in this program learn in a shop environment and earn industry-recognized certifications such as the National Mechanic Certification and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.”
This grant was established anonymously in memory of LISD Tech Center alumnus Gary Bettis. Bettis was passionate about the Automotive Service Technology program and operated a full-service fuel store and auto repair shop for more than 50 years, LISD said.
“During Gary's time at the LISD Tech Center (then known as Vo-Tech), students learned and mastered most of the skills in auto repair and were ready to enter the workforce upon graduation,” said AST. instructor Mark LaFollette said in a release. . “While today's students cannot acquire all the more advanced skills due to complexity and time constraints, they can now obtain certifications, licenses, and acquire entry-level job skills. Today's Employers The Lord is ready to provide the additional training and experience needed to elevate new employees to master status.”
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“This is a great example of the many career opportunities for local students that don't require a college degree,” added LCEF Executive Director John Wanke in the release. “Programs like this allow students to enter career paths with an urgent need for skilled professionals right after high school.”
The Lenawee County Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that leverages community donations to provide financial support for education in Lenawee County. Serves as LISD's primary capital development arm. Although LCEF's largest area of support is student scholarships, it also provides funding for job training grants, teacher grants, and other educational projects.
