During his time at South High School, Senior Gavin Urbina has taken advantage of many of the courses offered in the Tech Ed department. His experience in those classes, paired with his work experience at Van Horn Automotive, has set him up with a clear path to success after high school!

Learn more about Gavin below:

Student Name: Gavin Urbina
Grade: 12
High School: Sheboygan South High School
Workplace: Van Horn Ford/Kia of Sheboygan

What Tech Ed classes are you currently taking or have you taken in your high school career?

• Metals FabLab
• Advanced Metals FabLab
• Advanced Engineering & Architecture
• Electricity, Electronics & Automation
• Automotive & Electro-Mechanics
• Advanced Automotive & Electro-Mechanics
• PLTW Intro to Engineering
• PLTW Principles of Engineering
• PLTW Civil Engineering

Have you taken advantage of any on-site work experience opportunities?
“I participated in two nine-week Cooperative Learning experiences and a Youth Apprenticeship at Van Horn.”

Can you share your experience in your Youth Apprenticeship?
“I’ve been working at Van Horn Ford/Kia for Sheboygan for almost a year and a half. I have experienced many things from motor replacement to suspension components, and was able to do a couple of brake jobs on my own. I learned that there are more maintenance services that need to be done than just oil changes at certain miles. I also learned how to do alignments and brake flushes.

“I gained a lot of knowledge while working at Van Horn Ford/Kia of Sheboygan. It is the best job experience I have ever had, being able to work with some of the best guys and best technicians in the automotive field.”

What co-curricular activities are you involved in (clubs, organizations, sports)?
“I played football my Junior and Senior years.”

What is your favorite thing about your Red Raider Manufacturing experience?
“Being able to gain experience in the field of work I plan on going into after graduation while in high school.”

What experience are you most proud of?
“I am most proud of a tire job that I was able to do on my own. I also found a few more repairs to the vehicle including rear brake pads and rotors, calipers, and a brake flush that I was able to complete for the customer.”

Why should a student participate in the Red Raider Manufacturing program?
“I think they should participate so they can experience what it’s like to have a job and also experience what it’s like working in the field that they plan to go into. These classes allow students to explore career areas to help make the decision if they really want to go into that field or if they want to try something else before it’s too late.”

What are your future plans?
“I plan on going to college to be an Automotive Technician at the Milwaukee Area Technical College through the Ford Asset Program.”

We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, Gavin!

The Red Raider Manufacturing program gives students the opportunity to learn and grow in a high-tech environment before even graduating from high school. Learn more about the program here: https://www.sheboygan.k12.wi.us/programs/red-raider-manufacturing