This story was written for WRAL TechWire Innovator partner Wilson Community College.

WILSON – Dale Grimsley, 24, watched his grandfather and other family members work on their cars, so the idea of working on cars as a career wasn’t a stretch for him. The stretch is that they wouldn’t recognize what he does. They were mechanics, he said, while he is an auto technician.

The difference lies in cars themselves. What used to be maintained in the driveway or backyard requires the skill set of a computer technician and a mechanical engineer. That skill set is taught at the Automotive Systems Technology program at Wilson Community College. Every course also comes with an emphasis on work ethic and professionalism.

Dale Grimsley, 24, watched his grandfather and other family members work on their cars, so the idea of working on cars as a career wasn’t a stretch for him.

The program moved in May to its new location, the former John Lee dealership that originally opened in 1958 and was donated to the college by the Lee family. Today, the freshly painted, bare walls (art to come!) and new classrooms offer a whiff of new car smell.

The high-ceilinged garage area where cars were fixed for decades is ready to do the same for 21st-century automobiles. Soon, a new façade will spiff up the exterior. But in the meantime, classes are already in session. This auto-focused setting for auto education is unique to Wilson Community College.

Back in the spring, Grimsley spent a grueling day taking the exam for the student ASE, the Auto Service Excellence industry standard certification. He was awarded the certification, and his part-time job with a local dealership became a fulltime position.

“Employers are looking for the certification — it means volumes to them,” said Margie Norfleet, dean of Industrial Technologies. Students like Grimsley graduate with a two-year associates degree, but what sets them apart is the certification.

Another difference is the work ethic and professionalism taught in every course by lead instructor Bobby Brown, who also has decades of car repair experience. Students are graded on being on time and shirts tucked in — which is a safety issue, he points out.

What used to be maintained in the driveway or backyard requires the skill set of a computer technician and a mechanical engineer. That skill set is taught at the Automotive Systems Technology program at Wilson Community College.

The professionalism is appreciated by employers, as Grimsley’s supervisor, Armin Buchebner, noted: “Mr. Brown not only prepares his students with the latest mechanical skills. He teaches ‘real world’ work ethic … These students are ready … with a maturity level of a seasoned veteran. You just don’t find that anymore.” He added that his new hire, Grimsley, is the future of the automotive industry.

Brown visits local dealerships to introduce them to what his students learn and can bring to their shops, which must repair increasingly complicated vehicles. Keeping current is part of the challenge. Brown will be inviting shop managers to the Lee Campus to show them what is taught. Technicians with years of experience may need to update their skills.

Grimsley visits the Lee Campus regularly to encourage the students coming after him. Today he is a technician in the shop dealership, doing whatever is needed. He plans to get his master ASE certification to become a master technician. And then, he said, “I’ll come back here to teach.

This story was written for WRAL TechWire Innovator partner Wilson Community College.