Between math and English, students at Maplewood High School can learn how to do an oil change, replace brakes and rotate tires. This training is part of a program that the school offers to prepare kids for career success.
This is the tenth year that Maplewood has partnered with Bridgestone to give students hands-on training from professionals in the auto industry. Since 2015, more than 145 students have graduated from the program.
The school’s automotive training instructor, Twjuana “T.J.” Williams, says her students are more motivated and less likely to get in trouble.
“This program keeps students from getting suspended,” she told WPLN News. “And you might say, ‘How?’ The kids know if I get a call that you cussed out one of the teachers and you’re not here, oh, we got a problem.”
Investment in career technical education
Maplewood is one of the 12 Academies of Nashville. Concerned with low graduation rates, Metro Nashville Public Schools transformed some high schools into academies that provide students with practical career-focused experience based on their interests.
A report came out earlier this year stressing the importance of expanding career technical education for high school students in Nashville — noting the city’s increasing population creates a demand for more jobs.
The investment is worth it, according to Williams. She says her former students often return to tell her about their success.
“I’ve had kids come back, ‘Ms. TJ, I want you to see my first car. I bought my first house,’ ” she said.
One of her current students, Timiyah Gaines, told WPLN News that she’s inspired by Williams being a woman in the male-dominated auto industry.
“People wouldn’t expect girls to be more outstanding than boys, but hey, we get the job done. We do what we need to do. I love it.”
Gaines is 16-year-old junior who is active in the student government association. But she said that she wasn’t always the best student before joining the program.
“Now, I come to school, get my work done on time when it’s supposed to be done,” she said. “I don’t procrastinate because it’s going to be worse.”
Her classmate, Wilson Velasquez, said his older brother also completed the program and he uses the skills he’s learned to maintain his own car.
One of Williams’ former students now works for Bridgestone as a technical education partner and she said that career trajectory is inspirational for her current students.
Mike Allison, the director of education and development for Bridgestone, said the program exposes students to career pathways that they may not have considered. He also notes that trade jobs can be high-paying, with some auto technicians making over $150,000 each year.
Maplewood students in the program can work part-time at a Bridgestone-Firestone store once they turn 16 and are eligible for a full-time job upon graduation.
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