Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Whether it takes place after high school graduation or upon receiving a college degree, the transition from student life to a career is often a difficult one. Many strive to find their way into their desired industry and work to develop experience for a preferred role. For individuals like Thomas Vigil though, opportunities during class made his process uniquely simple.
"The path was kind of a straight shot," said Vigil, a student who graduated from Ogden High School this month. "Through classes, I was able to make meaningful connections and develop technical skills. I'm thrilled with where I'm at now, and can't wait for what's ahead here."
Vigil may have just earned his diploma, but he's not new to his full-time position as a service advisor at Young Mazda Utah. Starting as a lube technician by going to work during free credit hours, his personable demeanor prompted decisions from management to place him behind the counter.
Today, he helps customers navigate their service needs, and works with technicians to ensure each task is properly completed.
Placing students on a path to a steady, meaningful career is a goal for many educators. Throughout their over 100 year history, it's proven to be an ambition for a business as well — the Young Automotive Group.
"We understand that a great experience in school can be the spark for an incredible future," said Chris Hudson, director of Young Collision Center. "There are so many trends and innovations taking place regularly in the automotive industry, and we know that the best way to prepare anyone who has an interest in the field is to keep their information and abilities current."
In the past five years, Young Collision Center has formed an impactful relationship with Ogden High School's automotive program. Specializing in handling paint repair, dent removal and full vehicle restoration needs, the division has donated high-end equipment to classes, and delivered meaningful demonstrations and lectures to students who are interested in becoming a technician.
This involvement has positioned Ogden High School's automotive program as one of the best in the nation. Students in each class have access to high-end technology, such as a waterborne paint mixing system and a Car-O-Line CTR9 resistance spot welder — a product valued at $42,000.
"What we've seen in even a lot of post-high school training is a reliance on outdated equipment and techniques," Hudson said. "We're looking to help students become job ready the moment they graduate, and to cut apprenticeship times in half. That's only possible when you're utilizing what's currently available."
While donating the spot welder, Young Collision worked with partners at both Precision for Collision and Car-O-Liner to make the contribution possible. When the item arrived, James Cook, Ogden High School's automotive and collision repair teacher of 19 years, said "This is better than Christmas."
These endeavors have established Young Collision Center as a dedicated community partner. This year, the operation — along with the Young Automotive Group's charitable nonprofit, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation — was awarded the title of Business Education Partner of the Year by Utah's Association for Career and Technological Education.
"We're proud of the way we've been able to make an impact," Hudson said. "As a Young Automotive Group operation, we're always encouraged to engage in philanthropy. We've done this the most authentic way to us that we know how."
Earlier this month, Young Mazda Ogden supported Ogden High School as well by providing the district's Teacher of the Year winner, Chris Davidson, with an all-expenses paid, one-year lease on Mazda CX-70.
As Young Collision Center's actions have made an impact on local education, they've also positioned the operation for success. In an industry that's grappling with a technician shortage, Hudson says he has a list of candidates currently applying for job opportunities at Young Collision's locations in Layton, Ogden and Burley, Idaho.
Especially over the past 10 years, the Young Automotive Group has been recognized as a premier employer not only in Utah, but nationally. The business has frequently been featured on lists such as Utah Business' Best Companies to Work For, the Salt Lake Tribune's Top Workplaces and USA Today's Top Workplaces. Earned by organizations who score well on employee surveys, many have cited growth opportunities and a healthy work environment as their reason for being a part of the business.
Vigil's ambition is to eventually become a general manager of a dealership. As the company continues to grow, this role could become available in Utah, Idaho, Montana or another state.
"I just want to help people know that what I did is possible," said Vigil. "Just because you're young doesn't mean a great role is unattainable and that you can't get started on your future. I want to help people just like how everyone helped me."
Visit the link for information about Young Collision Center.
