Westerville high school students and families can learn more about a pre-apprenticeship program students can take while in high school that will prepare them for careers in the automotive industry.
Performance Columbus is hosting two open houses to provide more information about their Automotive Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which starts this fall for incoming seniors — and possibly juniors depending on available spots — in Westerville, Gahanna and Columbus.
The open houses are 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Drive Direct, 2361 Morse Road.
As part of the year-long pre-apprenticeship program, students will split their day between Performance Columbus’ service center and their school. They will receive hands-on training that covers all facets of automotive maintenance, from engine work to vehicle diagnostics. At the end of the program, students can move onto Performance Columbus’ paid apprenticeship program.
“It’s a great place to learn those hard skills as well as some soft skills because they are working on a team,” said Matt Misener, director of Career and College Pathways.
He said the pre-apprenticeship program is a gateway to a variety of options for students, including the opportunity to earn stackable and transferable credentials.