Aaron's Story

“The ChangingGears Automotive Technician Training was really impactful for me in starting my career,” Aaron shared. “Getting to do so much hands-on learning is great, because that’s how I prefer to learn. Every day we were able to learn something new by doing it ourselves, which is how the skills have really stuck with me.”

In the October 2021, ChangingGears launched the Automotive Technician Training Program through CityLink Center. It is a four week training course that provides students with the skills they need to begin a career in the automotive industry as a tire and lube technician. Aaron recently graduated from the program's second class in February 2022.

In addition to the automotive technician skills, Aaron also appreciated how welcomed he felt by all the people he met. “Everyone makes sure you are set up to do well when you’re going through the program. No one in CityLink or ChangingGears is impatient when you ask a lot of questions...and I had a lot,” he said. Aaron, a Cincinnati native, also admitted he was shocked to discover that the program was tuition free. “I was able to access this training because it was free and that has made a huge difference for me.”

After earning certifications in shop safety and tire repair & replacement, and demonstrating their skills in the ChangingGears garage, students are connected with employer partners for job interviews. Aaron, along with the other two graduates from his class, received a job offer in the industry. Aaron plans to keep building his skill set with cars and has a goal to build his own car one day. “If I continue to learn and dedicate myself to doing so, I know this will be possible for me.”