At Wheeling Park High School, the automotive program has become one of the building’s most dynamic learning spaces. Students work in the school’s Career Technical Center downstairs, not just to learn how cars work, but to understand how an entire industry operates. They learn diagnostics, customer service, safety, teamwork, and the discipline required to solve problems that don’t come with a ready-made answer. For many, it helps them prepare for an actual workplace, where their effort produces something that can help the community.
“There’s quite a lot of large levels of skills, we start with oil changes, basic tire rotations, all the way up to diagnosing engines, so there’s a wide range,” said automotive teacher Mr. Bugaj.
The program’s strength comes from its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students learn tasks that mirror what they would see in a real-life scenario, from brake jobs and electrical troubleshooting to engine teardown and reassembly. They learn to read service manuals, use advanced tools, and approach each repair with the precision necessary. This experience strongly builds the students’ confidence quickly.
“I feel like most of all, even if I don’t go into the automotive industry, this class has helped me overall. It still teaches me a little bit about cars and some basic things that I wouldn’t have to go to a dealership or mechanic for, and even if I do, I still know basic things,” said automotive student Gavin Bell.
Instructor leadership also plays a central role in shaping that growth as well. The automotive staff at Park pushes students to think critically, ask questions, and take pride in their work. They not only teach technical skills, but also help students develop professionalism: showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and learning responsibility. This leadership is not only from teachers, but from upperclassmen taking charge.
“Basically, I straighten up class clowns, you know, if anyone needs help, I’m obviously here for them. Besides me being the Service Manager, we also have a Safety Manager. I also prioritize safety, making sure people have glasses on, and seeing what they are working on. If they are cutting metal, I make sure they have a face shield. I always make sure the place is clean on Fridays and make sure everything else is in order,” said Service Manager Preston Heatherington.
Beyond the technical training, the automotive program is shaping students into leaders. Every project requires accountability. Leaders are very important when teaching students in such a skillful industry.
“We do a variety of stuff, we could be doing computer stuff, breaks or HVAC, hands on learning is also a big priority here as well, you learn as you go with the physical thing in front of you, honestly I just hope I’m creating honest technicians, I think that honesty and integrity is important to the businesses in the Ohio Valley,” added Bugaj.
In the end, Wheeling Park’s automotive program stands as far more than the classroom; it’s a launchpad. This program prepares these students for the real world while also expanding their minds. In everyday life, these skills will be so useful. Therefore, this program creates the skillful workers this community needs.
