Johnstown student gets auto tech job through new program | News

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Increased Johnstown Large University senior Cheyenne Penrod signed a total-time work settlement with Thomas Automotive on Tuesday as the to start with spot pupil to be awarded a scholarship by way of a system the company launched this yr.

Penrod has worked for Thomas section-time as an automotive technician through her vocational co-op. Getting out she’d be supplied a entire-time profession right after higher faculty was thrilling for her.

“I was tremendous-excited,” she said. “I could not wait.”

The scholarship involves a one-12 months apprenticeship at the corporation that she has fulfilled already, $1,000 in hard cash, $2,500 worthy of of instruments and confirmed work.

There have been 4 awards handed out in the Thomas marketplaces of Johnstown, Bedford and Cumberland, Maryland.

“It came out of the have to have for service professionals,” Thomas Automotive expertise methods Manager Keith Kuckenbrod explained of the software.

Kuckenbrod claimed there are not a lot of people today pursuing the career, which is why the company extra the incentive.

Penrod enrolled in the Better Johnstown School District automotive engineering vocational software her freshman 12 months and has worked diligently at any time considering the fact that.

She credits her father, Kenny Penrod, and her uncle for her superior skill in the trade. She reported she invested a whole lot of time in the garage with them escalating up, studying all the things she could.

That, coupled with her fascination in how mechanics work, led her to the automotive tech method, in which instructor Thomas Mattis stated he could explain to she was an adept learner and a great prospect for a co-op situation.

Cheyenne Penrod moved up as a result of the program and sought out the Thomas position.

Mattis recommended her mastery of the material and explained she obtained the greatest score on the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) examination that he’s observed in his 16 a long time at the school.

He joked that the “worst detail you can explain to her is, ‘I really do not think you can do that,’ ” since Penrod then makes it her mission to carry out the job.

“She’s arrive a extended way,” Kenny Penrod stated, including that she continues to impress him.

Cheyenne Penrod’s mom, Darlene Penrod, added that she thought mechanics was a hobby and didn’t count on her daughter to convert it into a vocation.

“I’m pretty very pleased of every thing she’s accomplished,” Darlene Penrod explained.

Michael Dadey, substantial school principal, was excited about the achievement as effectively. As the school’s principal and vocational director, he’s very pleased of Cheyenne Penrod’s accomplishments.

“This is a great option, not only for Cheyenne, but for Thomas and our pupils,” Dadey claimed.

Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be attained at 814-532-5054. Stick to him on Twitter @Journo_Josh.