First for Region 9 automotive class

MEXICO- Nine senior students in the automotive class at Region 9 School of Applied Technology were the first to take part in the school's inaugural state inspection licensing examinations last week.

Instructors Dan Richard and Jerry Pelletier were joined by State Inspector Jim Archer to administer the tests.

“We hope to continue to offer this exam to students on a yearly basis,” noted Dan Richard. “By taking the test here, they have their licenses to go work at any garage they're hired at and it gives them credit to their tech schooling, too.”

The nine students prepared by reviewing a 360-question study test for the last few weeks.

David Adley, a senior at Mountain Valley High School, noted, “I plan to attend Central Maine Tech this fall and work at my dad's garage this summer. Having the license will help us get jobs in the mechanical field easier. Besides, it saves me money, too.”

Most students in the auto tech class plan to attend a secondary tech school in order to further their education either in the hands-on mechanical side or the service management.

Richard noted, “These kids are saving themselves roughly $1500 by taking this test here. They're getting a good idea of what the license means.”

Students learn that for the charge of $12.50 for an inspection sticker, that the garage is really putting themselves on the line. They can get fined or their licenses can be revoked if vehicles are passed illegally or the vehicle is altered after inspection.

Richard noted, “It's a good idea for a garage owner to take a photo of the vehicle and file it when they sticker it, to prove what it looked like if an inspector surprises you with a visit. You never know when they're going to show up, and if someone is stopped for a violation and pins it on the garage, well, you have proof.”

For more information on what Region 9 offers area students, visit http://region9.mainecte.org/.