Steve’s Auto Care of Star, Idaho, is giving kids an early introduction into automotive work with a car care clinic hosted at his shop, reports Idaho News 6.
Shop owner Steve Green was motivated to put on the class by the growing absence he’s seen in auto classes offered at local schools. The class’ aim is to prepare teenagers on all the basics of vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Besides training future drivers to maintain their vehicles, one of the shop’s own techs serves as an example of how encouraging an early interest in automotive can lead to career opportunities for young people.
Rylee Shafer has been working at Steve’s Auto Care for three years, and her time there began from a desire to learn more from Green. She grew up learning basic automotive tasks from her father, but was inspired to learn more in Green’s shop.
“We started out on Saturdays. I would help him with oil changes, brake jobs, the simple stuff,” told Shafer. “Then we got to spring break and he brought me on to work all day during the break. Now I am at the point where I come in during breaks, come in after school, do weekends, and do a little bit of everything now.”
Alongside Green, Shafer taught a group of kids her age and younger about auto maintenance in the shop’s car care clinics. Green plans to collaborate with the local parks and recreation department to continue holding the car care clinic on a monthly basis.
