Learning under the hood at Gable Motors in Cobleskill

Schoharie campus Automotive Trades Technology students Joe Mayott, Shawn Cummings and Greg Dixon did not always report to Mr. James' classroom for school during spring 2006 semester. Instead, they learned off campus through work-based learning internships at Gable Chevrolet and Gable Dodge (Gable Auto & Truck Center, Inc.) in Cobleskill. The students, who also attended Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, acquired valuable on-the-job, real-world experience while applying the skills and knowledge learned at Career & Tech.

Vincent Massarotti, pictured below with Joe Mayott, is a 1972 alumnus of Career & Tech's Automotive Trades Technology program. When he attended, the program was located in Middleburgh as the Schoharie Career & Tech campus had not be constructed. "It's an awesome program, and I highly recommend it," said Massarotti. "Students should take the course and make a career decision. Being an automotive technician today is a lot of work with all of the electronics and technology in cars. Pick your field, attend school," he advises, "and find yourself a place that will provide an internship and possible employment."

Instead of reporting to Career & Tech, Joe Mayott interned at Gable four schooldays a week beginning in April. After school and on weekends, Joe also worked at Monroe Muffler and Brake, putting his skills to use and saving for college. Joe is interested in marine mechanics and as of June had his eye on Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, Florida. Marine mechanics, he reports, work on large power boats or cruise ships, which boast powerful inboard engines and technology.

As for Career & Tech, Joe Mayott commented, "I loved learning hands-on and found that my teachers, Marty James and Randy Barber really knew their stuff and how to teach it."

   
Vincent Massarotti, General Manager of Gable Auto & Truck Center, Inc., Cobleskill, poses in the showroom with Career & Tech student intern Joe Mayott

Gable Chevrolet technician Kriss Binder (left) looks on as technician Matt Henzler (right) works under the hood with Schoharie Career & Tech student intern Joe Mayott. Henzler is a Career & Tech alumnus. Below, Gable Chevrolet Service Manager Bob Becker (far left) and Owner Jody Gable (center) welcomed Auto Trades Tech student Joe Mayott into their dealership to learn as an intern.

[6/06]