Region 9 automotives is appealing asset

Photo:

The Region 9 Automotive II state inspection testing students seen here are: Zach Parsons, Jared Rice, Sawyer Leonard, Dakota Meserve, Maine State Inspector James Archer, Mitchell Sabins, Dough Swan, Max Stewart and Eric Holman. (Submitted photo)

MEXICO- For the second consecutive year Region 9 Automotive II students have taken advantage of the Maine State Inspection exam that has proven to be an appealing asset for their future college or work-related endeavors.

Class advisor, Dan Richard noted, “We are offering the students a great opportunity that is helping them become part of the work force and is one of the pre-requisites to their college classes. They're saving themselves about $1500 by taking the class at Region 9 and then another $40 for the state testing fee.”

The fee for the test includes the required manuals, the fee to take the exam and a criminal background check; all overseen by the state.

In 2011, Richard decided to allocate funds from the student activity fund to pay for the testing. He invited Maine State Inspector, James Archer to the school to administer the exams and he had nine students take advantage.

This spring, another nine took the two-part exam and will be able to more easily get a job with a garage, not to mention already having a college pre-requisite out of the way.

“Having taken the test,” noted Richard. “It really does put them in a better position right off the bat for the future after they leave here.”

The two-year Automotive I and II classes are open to juniors and seniors, and a select few sophomores, depending on their credit count. Students work on staff and classmates vehicles throughout the school year and only charge a percentage of the total cost of the parts purchased for repair. They do not charge for the labor, as it is a part of their class.
“It's real life stuff,” noted Richard. “Half the time whoever the vehicle belongs to, they give us a donation for the work.”

The money they collect goes into the student activity fund and from there the funds pay for exams and other items the class finds themselves in need of throughout the year.

For more information, visit http://region9.mainecte.org/ or call 364-3764.