2022 December Professionals of the Month
Derek Harding is a senior at Cony High School enrolled in the Automotive Technology program for the 2nd year. He has enjoyed the hands on shop work. He feels he has learned how the systems in cars work, which has taught him that auto repair is more than just changing out parts. It is important to learn the mechanics so a proper diagnosis can be made to fix any problem. As a great second year student, Derek participates in an extended learning opportunity (ELO) through our Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) program at O’Connor Auto Park. He participates in on the job training at O’Connors and has had the chance to work on a variety of vehicles, from sports cars to buses to a lot of GM models. In his free time, Derek likes to be outdoors, hunting and fishing are his passions. His instructor, Mr. Keith Hart, said, “Derek goes out of his way to better himself. He is very motivated to learn and picks up mechanical information quickly.” Derek finds O’Connor Auto Park a great place to be and hopes to have full-time employment with them following graduation.
Alivia Gower is a senior at Erskine Academy enrolled in the Machine Tool Technology program for the 2nd year. She has enjoyed the program being run as a workplace. She has liked learning from her instructor who has many years of real world experience in different machine shops in the area. Alivia has been working at her father’s construction business since the time she qualified for a work permit and she absolutely loves it. She does everything from shoveling to running a loader, so has a wide array of skills. Her instructor, Mr. Darryl Nadeau said, “I wish all my students were like Alivia. She is professional, smart and has developed a lot of machining skills.” Alivia has found being a female and working with mostly males was challenging at first. But, once classmates and co-workers see she can follow along and keep up, her gender hasn’t been an issue. Alivia is undecided what her next steps will be after graduation, but she has prepared herself to be successful in whatever she chooses.