McKeesport students learn hands-on skills in auto and collision class
Auto Body and Collision Repair is only one of the many CTE programs offered at the high school.
By SANDY SABOT
For the McKeesport Area School District
McKeesport Area Senior High School students in Randy Bowser’s auto body and collision repair course are learning hands-on how to take a vehicle apart to remove the remnants of accidents, repair and repaint and make them almost new.
In his second year as a teacher for the district’s CTE (Career Technology Education) program, Bowser brings with him 40 years of hands-on experience in car repairs and rebuilds.
“I have 22 students for the morning and afternoon sessions to convey my knowledge of the basics in auto repair work,” Bowser said. “I enjoy teaching them the basics — fixing cars so they can look and run like new again. After 40 years of doing this work in the Butler area, I decided to apply for this teaching job last year to leave a legacy of knowledge with the students.”
Bowser also explained that the technology in newer cars is computer-based, making repairs different. Learning the hands-on skills will be valuable for the students as they learn the basics of welding, sanding, refinishing, painting, etc. Most high school kids quickly learn how to work computer programs, but performing these auto repair basics is not something they can easily pick up from their friends.
Junior Semaj Rodgers said he enjoys the class because he’s “learning how to weld and refinish to give the vehicles a new look.” He said that he can picture himself working in auto repair after graduation next year and continuing to learn new techniques once he’s gotten the basics covered.
Bowser is hoping to get some updated shop equipment for his students to use, saying, “Our numbers are growing for this course, so I will look forward to getting more equipment.” He said locally that “Derkas Auto Body has been helpful” and he has connections in Butler with API Autobody Parts, Inc. “Both businesses have helped the program out,” he added One of the pet projects all classes enjoy is the restoration of older vehicles such as Mustangs and Corvettes.
Bowser said his classes will attend a seminar at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh to learn about virtual spray painting and welding.
Bowser said the classes can always use more projects. To have a vehicle refurbished or detailed, contact him on his cell phone at 724-968-3287 to see if his classes can do the work.
Auto Body and Collision Repair is only one of the many CTE programs offered at the high school.
Open house set
Parents and students in the district can learn more information on other programs serving high school students in CTE by contacting Dr. Jamie Lusebrink at JLusebrink@mckasd.net or by attending the open house for McKeesport parents and students at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the McKeesport Area High School cafeteria.
